The Generators - Life Gives - Life Takes

(CD Album Review)

***

Punk from the underground, overground and Wombling free!!!

Punk like it's cousin Heavy Metal every so many years raises to the forefront of the music mainstream and enjoys a few successful years to the disdain of the purists!. Then it goes back down to the underground enjoys a cleansing fire and the cycle carries on. The best of the bands ride the wave. The last time Punk came to the forefront in a big way was the early 2000's. The Offspring had a number one single, you had the Vans Warped Tour, NOFX hosted their own festival and every film and series had a Punk soundtrack.

Anyway considering The Generators started out way back in 1997, you must think whatever they have been doing it can't be all wrong they must have done something right because they have lasted a hell of a long time. Their latest opus 'Life Gives - Life Takes' is a half hour slab of Rock 'n' Roll infused old school LA Punk. That must take influences from The Ramones, US Bombs and NOFX while still having a subtle hint of Surf Rock and Rockabilly in the mix. You can imagine them pumping this out when your in a tattoo parlour or old school dinner, it has that kind of a vibe to it. Things kick off with the heavy 'Got to be a better Way' which I think is a tune that get's the album off to a good start, and the title track is great. It has a really infectious and uplifting groove and even sounds like it should be on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack.

There's the Ska flavored 'Heartbreak Beach' and the fury of 'Castaway's' which just launches off the album at you and makes you pay attention. It's pretty much like most Punk albums that come out these days though, it has a few outstanding tracks but you can take it or leave it and the album the real effect on you. I think a band like The Generators come off best when you go to see them live. This album and band seem to do pretty much what it says on the tin, their seems to be a real formula behind them. If your into American Punk and your in the mood and nothing will suffice then look no further... Hey ho, Lets go! but don't run because their is no hurry to buy this record.

Review by Joe Denby