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Rating:
I must admit, I've always had difficulty categorizing the Swedish combo into a well-defined subgenre within the punk & hardcore scene. When I first discovered them with "Kingwood," I thought "they play punk rock leaning towards melodic hardcore," but I was promptly proven wrong every time I listened to a new CD.
All my considerations lead to one direction: Millencolin has evolved over the years, undergoing changes that many other bands would envy, as they keep churning out the same old reheated soup, capitalizing solely on the name on the cover. Their refusal to create two identical albums in a row, instead of resting on their laurels, and trying to incorporate something new with each album is a significant point in their favor.
In fact, honestly, upon first listening to "Pennybridge Pioneers" (translation from Swedish to English of their hometown Örebro: Penny and Bro: Bridge), I was a bit taken aback, not because I didn't like the CD (after all, it was my first listen) but because I didn't recognize the band that made me mosh and jump like crazy until that moment.
Indeed, one thing is clear: the album effectively marks the start of their second career phase and abandons the powerful yet melodic hardcore sounds of the first three albums. Essentially, the sound took on more melodic shores. Initially, I made the inevitable comparison with "Kingwood" and "For Monkeys," searching for something where it wasn't. It was in subsequent listens (like a pearl at the ocean's bottom, gradually resurfacing and sparkling) that the true face of this melodic punk gem revealed itself to me.
Forget about trendy MTV bands, this is true pop punk, energetic and playful at the same time, with no annoying choruses fit for the next ad, no sugar-coated and polished vocals. This time, melody doesn't mean being banal or anything else (Buzzcocks and Descendents, after all, built a genre on this) but can be a favorable element if one manages not to be ingratiating.
14 songs or rather 14 anthems that made history: from the opener "No Cigar" (soundtrack of the legendary skate video game Tony Hawk), to the famed "Fox," continuing with the more energetic "Penguins & Polarbears" which is, in every way, the most known track by the quartet, moving through rapid fire bursts like "Material Boy" and "Right About Now" both highlighted by very beautiful guitar solos.
Continuing with the mid-tempo and bass lines of "Duckpond" which greatly resembles Alkaline Trio from "From Here To Infirmary," the playful "Hellman" and a "Devil Me" fit to even be the soundtrack of your summer. Also noteworthy are "Stop To Think" and "Highway Donkey," rhythmically very dynamic, confirming that the album doesn't lack speed. Despite Larsson's drumming now being less rough and direct than previous works.
A reflective and sweet "The Mayfly," the decent rock song "A-Ten" and a cheerful and brisk "Pepper" (a track often played in concert despite not being among the released singles) lead us into the final stages of the album.
The closure perhaps deserves a separate review: it's called "The Ballad," a simple title for a fantastic song, two-thirds performed with an acoustic guitar and perfectly interpreted by Nikola Sarkevic's splendid voice, exploding in a heart-pounding finale. It's noteworthy as this is the first song where the group experiments with acoustic guitar and also their very first ballad in their extensive repertoire. It would be the perfect soundtrack for a sentimental film given its commendable romanticism.
The songs are marvelously enriched with great choirs and fearsome solos, all very California-style. The production is excellent, placed in the hands of Mr. Bad Religion. This was also their first album recorded in the States.
Finally, note a point of no return: starting from this album onward, the ska sounds that dotted previous records will be completely abandoned.
Summing up, "Pennybridge Pioneers" is, in my opinion, perhaps the peak expression of the genre in the last ten years. An album that shouldn't be overly labeled but relished gradually, making it your own, and that's exactly how this masterpiece should be viewed, signed and delivered by Millencolin.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 No Cigar (02:42)
Tell us where you're from,
What you want to become
And we'll say if you're OK.
Where did you go to school,
Right answer and you're cool.
Yeah, you're the kid the whole day.
You got a sticker in your face
Information about the case,
So you know your potential.
Don't think you can extend.
Don't think you can extend, just comprehend.
But I don't wanna hear it.
No it's more than I accept.
'Cause, I don't care where I belong no more.
What we share or not I will ignore.
I will ignore.
We will shut you out.
We'll put you in doubt if you think that you're special.
We'll tell you who you are.
We'll tell you that you're close but no cigar.
But, I don't wanna hear it (I don't wanna hear it)
No it's more than I accept.
'Cause I don't care where I belong no more.
What we share or not I will ignore.
And I won't waste my time fitting in.
'Cause I don't think contrast is a sin.
What they say is...
Go back where you came from.
They'll tell you that but, I don't wanna hear.
No, I don't wanna hear. No, I don't wanna hear it.
No, it's more than I accept.
'Cause I don't care where I belong no more.
What we share or not I will ignore.
And I won't waste my time fitting in.
'Cause I don't think contrast is a sin.
No, it's not a sin.
02 Fox (02:02)
I met a fox the other day.
Well I asked how much she cost, I had to pay.
All of a sudden I'd brought her home.
She's one hundred kilos dressed in silverchrome.
She's my world, she's so rad.
She's the best ride I ever had.
She's my life, she's so bad.
She's the best ride I ever had.
When I imagine me and her.
You know that I get a stand-up fur.
I give her oil, I give her gas,
And get her seat beneath my ass.
And then the turtledoves drive away.
She's my world, she's so rad.
She's the best ride I ever had.
She's my life, she's so bad.
She's the best ride I ever had.
She's secondhand, so what ? She's true, she's by my side.
For all I care she's hot, and she's a real good ride.
When we go out people stop and stare with jealous minds.
It's OK for me as long as they let her be...
To prevent something like a theft I got her locked 'round a tree.
She's my world, she's so rad.
She's the best ride I ever had.
She's my life, she's so bad.
She's the best ride I ever had.
03 Material Boy (02:22)
im leaving the wat. to Buddism no longer loyal
im breaking my heart,as my compassion to the third world
turned to greed
bye bye real mccoy,no ideal as if i was royal
now im a material boy
theres nothing in this world i dont think i need
now im shopping im not stopping
there will always be new stuff to buy
and i will expand my needs somehow yeah
now im shopping im not stopping
there will always be new stuff to buy
and i will expand my needs somehow i swear
i bought a new imac and mouse,a phone to go with
my new spirit
next step might be a house,six bedrooms and a pool
just for me
i will live like star,the beggars chant wont hear it
i'll have boat,new t.v and car
and in mouth a fat cuban cigar
now im shopping im not stopping
there will always be new stuff to buy
and i'll expand my needs somehow yeah
now im shopping im not stopping
there always be new stuff to buy
i'll expand my needs somehow i swear
now im shopping there will always be new stuff to buy
im not stopping and ill expand my needs somehow
and ill expand me needs somehow i swear
now im shopping im not stopping (4x))
there will always be new stuff to buy
and ill expand my needs somehow i swear
04 Duckpond (02:49)
Everybody is leaving from this town and from me.
They've got the burning flame, they sure achive their aim.
You know that's tough for me to see.
Oh, how I wish that I could do the same as them and go.
Just pack my bags and good-bye.
Get out fast or fade away real slow.
What you see is what you get right here.
Where a change is nowhere near.
What you see is what you get from me.
In this duckpond, leave me be.
I pretend my life is perfect like the faces on TV.
Yeah, that's the only way to face another day.
Try to deny the misery.
But those are the ways of looney's and like a clown.
Yeah, I do act.
No matter where I could be or would like to go.
I'm stuck here. That's a fact.
What you see is what you get right hear.
Where a change is nowhere near.
What you see is what you get from me.
In this duckpond, leave me be.
I'm too weak I'm down on my knees.
Too feeble for something new.
Feels like there's nothing I can do.
Keep on laughing 'bout me.
Keep on doing your own.
But someday I will be that one.
Be that one.
Yeah, someday I will be that one...
Be that one.
Be that one.
Yeah, somday I will be that one...
Be that one.
Yeah, someday I will be that one...
05 Right About Now (01:47)
I gotta get me a grip and be strong.
Gotta show I can rip, moving on.
As I trembling, It's not ending.
Gotta avoid to make slips and meet nongs.
'Cause I want it, yeah I wanna live my life.
I wanna live my life in this world.
And I need it, yes I need it,
yeah, I need to spend my days on this earth.
I gotta learn to say NO, disallow.
Well, it's my turn to go pro, right about now.
I've been fading for too long, degrading.
I gotta earn me some dough, this is how.
At 23, I was far from feeling free.
At 24, my life was a big bore.
Now I'm 25 and I'm still not high,
yeah, I'm 25 but still alive.
I'll never give up until I reach my goal, until I reach my goal...
Controlling body and soul.
06 Penguins & Polarbears (02:53)
I don't want you to know too much about me, oh no
'Cause I know you'll take advantage of the words that I say
You're looking for a way to depress me, make me pay
You don't want me to be too close around you 'cause I would see
All the weak sides that you got, but which you're trying to hide
You know that I would nail you if I could nurse my pride
You're on the top when I am low
As soon as you're fading I will grow
I don't like you, you don't like me
We're lacking energy
Yeah, we're lacking energy
(we do)
It's a mindgame we play, rule the roost, major cliche
While one of us is fit the other's going insane
And every time we think the positions will remain
You're on the top when I am low
As soon as you're fading I will grow
I don't like you, you don't like me
We're lacking energy
Yeah, we're lacking energy
So you got me up against the wall
And I'm only waiting for your fall
I'll get back on top and be carefree
It's not the end for me, no it's not the end for me
I know we're thinking the same and our opponent's the one to blame
Thinking this way is not something that we both longed for
Living this way is something we never did plan
But I don't think we will change
'Cause we're stuck in roles as other's antipoles
You're on the top when I am low
As soon as you're fading I will grow
I don't like you, you don't like me
We're lacking energy
Yeah, we're lacking energy
So you got me up against the wall
And I'm only waiting for your fall
I'll get back on top and be carefree
It's not the end for me, no it's not the end for me
It's not the end for me, no it's not the end for me
It's not the end for me, no it's not the end for me
Its not the end for me........
07 Hellman (02:40)
No matter what I feel for you, there's three words I can't say.
I regret the times I used the word OK.
I know how much it means when people show they really care.
Of the value in honesty, I'm quite aware.
But still there's much in me that I don't share.
Don't have the guts to say what I think.
Well I'm too scared i dont Have the guts to say what I Think
Well I'm too scared i dont Have the guts to say what I Think
Well I'm too scared i dont Have the guts to say what I Think
Well I'm too scared i dont say what I think of you.
The other way around I'd say I function the same way.
The darker sides of me I underplay.
Afraid to get into conflicts, afraid to tell you, NO.
Though I know this weakness keeps me low.
Don't have the guts to say what I think.
Well I'm too scared i dont Have the guts to say what I Think
Well I'm too scared i dont Have the guts to say what I Think
Well I'm too scared i dont Have the guts to say what I Think
Well I'm too scared i dont say what I think of you.
There's so much inside me that I don't show.
Somethings I can never show. Why I don't know.....Why I Don't Know..
Don't have the guts to say what I think.
I'm too scared to say what I think of you.
I'm too scared of what I really think of you.
08 Devil Me (02:38)
Yes, I'm a Yugoslav, indeed a Swede.
Got two brothers, girlfriend, dad and mom.
Good boxershorts I need, lots of maps I read.
I would love to run my own farm.
I like the Beatles, funk and punk.
I watch hockey, basketball, play chess.
I eat veggie-junk and I love Superchunk.
To boule and travel I say yes.
All this I adore, at the same time it's just me.
It's what I care for, it's what I want to be.
I want it all, I want it all to stay right here.
I want it all to be a part of Slick Nick's sphere.
I want it all to be sincere where ever I go.
Lisa, Madonna are girls who knows where it's at
and Dr. Kris is a favorite rocker.
My main star is Miat, we have a car, a Fiat.
Yeah, still my dearest sport is soccer.
I'm not an ace on bass, it's what I face.
But yeah, I think it's king to sing.
Sailingboats I chase, I'd like to go into space.
Riding my silverfox is the real thing.
All this I adore, at the same time it's just me.
It's what I care for, it's what I want to be.
I want it all, I want it all to stay right here.
I want it all to be a part of Slick Nick's sphere.
I want it all to be sincere where ever I go.
Where ever I go, Where ever I go, Where ever I go
All around the world I go, Pennybridge, Belgrade and even T.O.
I want it all, I want it all to stay right here.
I want it all to be a part of Slick Nick's sphere.
I want it all, I want it all,
I want it all, I want it all to stay right here.
To be a part of Slick Nick's sphere.
I want it all to be sincere where ever I go.
09 Stop To Think (02:11)
You never wanted me to go
You didn't dare to let me know
That luck could turn back to my side
I knew my wishes qualified
So why won't you let me show who I am
I'm not doing this because of you
And I'm not here because you want me to
I know you're feeling you can see me through
Well it's all lost, the moment I stop to think
Now I'm leaving you in fear
But I will come back every year
To be the fifth wheel you don't need
I'll be the reason for you to speed
So why won't you let me show you who I am
I'm not doing this because of you
And I'm not here because you want me to
I know you're feeling you can see me through
Well it's all lost, the moment I stop to think
The moment I stop to think
Same moment as I start to sink
Sometimes I wish I were like you, more like you
So why won't you try to see who I am
10 The Mayfly (03:04)
Everything's complete
The newly wed syndrome
The mayfly hit the street
Everybody in plus
Burnt out as can be
Watching you go home
It's crystal clear to me
You no longer need us
It's OK, we'll come around
Now, there's nothing left for us
We're packing up, saying goodbye
To a place no one can trust
To a scene based on a lie
I truly hope we won't retreat
The same mistake we won't repeat
The bond was stabile as a shed
Love is mutal, love is dead
Everything went great
With lot's of beginners luck
The mayfly on a skate
Timing in perfection
Bored out as can be
Monkey's getting stuck
The four of us agreed
We need to follow the action
Where ever that might be...
Now, there's nothing left for us
We're packing up, saying goodbye
To a place no one can trust
To a scene based on a lie
I truly hope we won't retreat
The same mistake we won't repeat
The bond was stabile as a shed
Love is mutal, love is dead
Here I go
I'm tired about what all you say
Just one show, you owe it to the kids, so play!
That's all bull
The main thing's that we're having fun!
Said and done, said and done
I don't owe a shit to anyone
Now, there's nothing left for us
We're packing up, saying goodbye
To a place no one can trust
To a scene based on a lie
on a lie
I truly hope we won't retreat
To a scene based on a lie
on a lie
The same mistake we won't repeat
11 Highway Donkey (02:27)
When I was younger I did not know how to be.
I lived my own lie and I never asked the question why.
I always talked and dressed like everyone 'round me.
Where were my own view and my own thoughts?
I didn't have a clue. Insecurity, no confidence that's my style.
I did some false things, you'd say I was playing the wrong strings.
To realize and see how lost I was, it took a while.
But it was worth it 'cause now I'm much more confident and fit.
I'm not going down the highway,
'cause I had the might to stop and turn around before it was too late.
Instead I'm slowly going my way and if I don't reach the top,
I still got lots right here I appreciate.
Just because I'm older now does not mean I'm complete.
Yeah, I still have got fear, it's not as strong but it's still here.
And I'm confused at times, but now I know where to put my feet.
Right in my own trail, that's the only place if I don't wanna fail.
12 A-Ten (03:00)
I'm holding you as you feel scared and small
You've lost someone you love
And it's her you're thinking of
It's all that matters to you right now
And it will be like this for long
I'll be close to you, won't hide
'Cause I know you need me by your side
You wanna see her back again
You wanna see her back into this world
These past few months have been the toughest of your life
You've lost someone you love
And there's no greater pain above
I know how close you were two
And the joy and love you shared
It was sweet for me to see
But now it's aching inside me
If only she could see you now
Deep inside I think she can somehow
She'd be the happiest mom, she'd be so proud
She'd laugh and smile
- Shut up your dreaming!
You're screaming at me loud
And that's the way you really feel
Back into this world...
13 Pepper (01:44)
Verse 1
So you ain't got all your chickens home
From what I do recall you don't have incurable syndromes
Don't you worry 'bout a single thing
Don't you hurry you're a future king
(Chorus)
I know it's all in you
Just gotta find out what you wanna do
I know it's all in you
And deep inside you feel it too
Verse 2
They say you're lazy and don't wanna work
It's not too crazy not to wanna slave you're not a jerk
Don't you doubt about your future plan
You're a knockout I'm your biggest fan
*Chorus*
Verse 3
You know it's up to you
You always have an option
To choose what you wanna do
Take control or run and hide
It's okay to take a fall
If you have good intentions
As long as you give it all
You'll feel good inside
*Chorus*
14 The Ballad (04:49)
The last selection in the ballgame.
Does never get a pass.
Not appreciated's just his first name.
He's the scapegoat of the class.
There are no friends to cheer him up and
No girls, no sweet romance.
It's impossible to expand, when you never get a second chance.
Do you know, who's that guy,
Who's all alone?
Do you care enough to see?
He's in pain and misery.
He's not going to the school-prom.
He said he had the flu.
Trumped-up excuses as he told mom.
- I'm safer here with you.
She told her son
- Someday, they'll all be
Sorry for mistreating you.
Don't be afraid my son and trust me,
-You'll be someone they will look up to.
Do you know, who's that guy,
Who's all alone?
Do you care enough to see?
He's in pain and misery...
Do you care to see?
Do you know, who's that guy,
Who's all alone?
Do you care enough to see?
He's in pain and misery. x3
Yeah!
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By Piccio
"Pennybridge Pioneers can be considered one of the band's most extraordinary works."
"The classic sound of Millencolin characterizes the entire CD, involving the listener and making them feel like part of the album."
