We have a sleazy Punk Rock band from Sweden today kids. The band is MIDLIFE CRISIS and I can tell you that it took me a good 10 minutes to find the correct band as it seems that every country in the world has a band called MIDLIFE CRISIS and they have 2 just in Sweden. From the very limited information that I could gather on the interwebs, the band seems to be created around 2004 releasing a lot of singles and EPs  since, but never a full album. The result of this, is the new, and I believe first, release of a full album called 45 turn 33 via Juno Records. Some of the band members came from better known bands like HELLACOPTERS and MIKE MONROE (HANOI ROCKS). The album therefore is a compendium of their best hits since the band was created.

The sound is something that I do not hear for a while. It has a Punk vibe mixed with some Hard Rock bringing to mind bands like T REX and NEW YORK DOLLS and also THE CLASH and SEX PISTOLS. Tracks like “Sick Of You”, “Centre Of Lies” and “The American In Me” brings that ruff, and intentionally bad produced sound traditional from the aforementioned bands. Added to a sense of debauchery and fun, and a fuck off attitude, the bands brings back to Rock the elements that were essential to the genre in glorious times from the past. The songs are energetic as much as they are simple as you can hear in “Raggare” that will give you the sensation that you are there in the garage with the band during a rehearsal. This tune specifically is sung in Swedish ( I believe). The band did not name the album Midlife Crisis for nothing.

As per band photos, it seems that everybody in this band is in the correct age group to have one. The album has a number catchy songs like “I Need Nothing” and “Here I Go And Here I Am” and the lyrics are usually about revolting against society rules and having fun. Do not expect an instrumental masterpiece ala DREAM THEATER, as this is not the intention here. The band is more concentrated in playing some good basic Rock with a Punk edge, and well structured tunes that match the I don't give a fuck vibe and the looks of the band. This is an album that you can listen to entirely without jumping the songs as all tracks will have the right energy and keep you engaged. I loved “Silver Son Johnnie” as it gave me the impression of bands in the late 60’s like THE ZOMBIES and early STOOGES. You can hear extremely Rock’n Roll guitar riffs from Måns P Månsson that also sings, and from Dregen.

The solos are also great with the 2 guitar players soloing whatever they have in their minds at the same time as you can hear in “Dark Yellow Easy Flow”. They offer pure traditional Punk Rock as well like in “Samma Sak” that is nice and short, and also sung in their language. The band also has a solid foundation with the duo of Robban Eriksson on the drums and Urrke on the bass. As a good punk band album mix, you can hear the bass clearly and smartly detached from the guitars. Humor is also present in a number of tracks but “Shitty Shitty Bang Bang” takes the prize just for the title. It may loose, however, for the last track of the album called “Bye Bye Hey Hey Hey” that is also a banger. I liked this album a lot, and I was surprised how much fun I had with the tracks. MIDLIFE CRISIS (from Sweden!) concerts should be a lot of fun. Attitude used to be what Punk Rock was all about and this band has plenty. If you love Punk jinxed with some good Rock and Roll riffs, this is the band you are looking for.