Suicide Machines to deliver killer show

With the exception of a few bands, Detroit hasn't quite been a hotbed of musical talent. Recently, though, some Detroit bands have gone on to bigger and better things, and deservingly, the Suicide Machines has been one of the biggest success stories.

PREVIEW
	Suicide Machines Saturday, Dec. 27 St. Andrew's Hall, Detroit Tickets only $8

The Suicide Machines, named after Detroit's favorite son, Jack Kevorkian, started back in 1990. They released a couple of records on their drummer's label, Old Skool Records, before catching the attention of L.A.'s Hollywood Records. Since the release of "Destruction By Definition" last year, the Suicide Machines have caught national attention as one of the leaders of the so-called Third Wave ska invasion.

The Machines don't play typical ska, though. It's more of a hard-edged hyper-punk attack, laced with a little ska and reggae sensibility. There's no horns, with the exception of two songs, and it's not goofy, yet the Suicide Machines have been grouped in with the likes of Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Guitarist Dan said the group's a little tired of the label.

"I think ska, as it is today, what's been popular in the recent past, is just kinda slowly going out. I think people have had their fill of the goofy ska with the horns and all of that. It's kind of like at the tail end of that, and I think it's time

The Suicide Machines will play St. Andrew's Hall on Saturday, Dec. 27.

for something new to break out."

At the time they started, though, the Machines were the newest thing going in Detroit.

"I can tell you as far as punk rock goes, when we started back in like '90, you know it was really hard to get a show," Dan said. "That's when the hip-hop thing was huge." It seemed like it took forever for the Machines sound to catch on, but when it did, it spread like wild fire. Gaining the respect of national punk and ska heroes like Rancid and the Bosstones, the Machines got noticed for their unbelievably crazy, intense live shows and their melodic, energetic punk rhythms.

Now that two singles, "No Face" and "S.O.S.," have enjoyed MTV airplay and a stint on this summer's Warped Tour went extremely well, the Suicide Machines have broken through, to an extent.

It seems now, Detroit's punk scene is even starting to get noticed. The Machines' new album is set to drop in April, which should increase the buzz even more.

This Christmas, the Machines will be back in their hometown to rock St. Andrew's, just as they blew out the Magic Stick for three straight nights last Christmas.

This time, though, they're bringing along a 16-track mobile studio, and recording the show for a live album due, hopefully, this coming year. If you missed them at the Warped Tour this summer, you can't afford to miss them this time around.

Come see an amazing show, be a part of a live taping, and have some fun. Support your scene and support the Suicide Machines, a true, heartfelt band that deserves whatever success comes to them down the line.

12-10-97