We all know that something has definitely been in the water in Sweden for the last decade that has fueled many a prog and metal band to new creative heights. However, you rarely hear much from the punk/nu-metal scene from that country, but that all may change with the release of the latest from punk/metal/50's rockabilly hybrids The Bones, whose new album Straight Flush Ghetto is an enticing little collection of catchy punk songs littered with crunchy guitar work (there's even lead work here, as on the angry, Metallica influenced "Until I Die") and strong vocals. Think of a more mature and adventurous Green Day, a cleaner Motorhead, a more upbeat Misfits, a modern Ramones, and you get somewhat of an idea what to expect here. "Dog Almighty" kicks off with a Lemmy-inspired lead bass line which rampages into a speedy and crankin' kick ass rocker that goes for the juggular, while "Spit It Out" is a punk anthem with just enough of a hook and just enough metal attitude to appeal to a mainstream audience.
Of the CD's sixteen tunes, just a few hover at the three-minute mark or higher, most being slightly over two, so you can gather that the band gets their licks in, kicks ass, and runs out as quickly as possible. Straight Flush Ghetto has breakout potential, so MTV, Revolver, Rolling Stone, take notice, as well as fans of fun-loving, metal -tinged punk rock with a sing-along mentality.
Track List
1) Spit It Out (2:51)
2) Do You Wanna (2:50)
3) Not a Lovesong (3:01)
4) Half of Nothing (2:58)
5) Railroad Track (2:20)
6) Until I Die (2:40)
7) Gasoline Business (3:11)
8) Dog Almighty (2:17)
9) Viva (2:13)
10) Never (2:17)
11) Troublebound (2:55)
12) Shut UP, Get Out (2:51)
13) Bottle Cry Salute (2:14)
14) Far Beyond Me (2:29)
15) I Don't Want You (1:22)
16) The Chevy Devil's (1:47)