The Suicide Machines

Detroit’s reigning kings of ska/punk The Suicide Machines are back in 2022 with ‘GEBO GOMI’; a new split LP with Tokyo Japan's Coquettish, out July 22 on Bad Time Records. While 2020s “Revolution Spring” proved that the band still had a fire lit in them, The Suicide Machines display on this new split that they are not only at the top of their game, but possibly making the catchiest, heaviest, and most relevant songs of their career. “Awake” is a TSM instant classic that would fit equally well on “Destruction by Definition” as it would in an old school Tony Hawk game, while tracks like “Accelerate the Decline” and “Slipping Into Darkness” show that the band hasn’t lost an ounce of the edge and anger they carry about the crumbling state of the world. These tracks are prescient, political, and pissed off, but also evoke the reckless joy that’s been a hallmark of the band’s catalogue. Mixed by Jon Graber (NOFX, Goldfinger, We Are The Union), the band sounds poised and in control while not over-polished to maintain the grit and raw power that they bring to these new songs.

Shows

The Suicide Machines, The Slackers, The Creepshow, Space Chimp, DJ I-Lot
at Victoria Curling Club
Fri. June 21st 7:30 PM - 1:30 AM
$45 - $59.50
It only took 25 years, but making their Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival debut is Detroit, Michigan’s finest purveyors of gritty and grimy punk, THE SUICIDE MACHINES! Drawing influences from both Jamaican ska and brutal hardcore, the group’s sound is equal parts sour and sweet, with songs that will get you skanking one second and swirling in a chaotic mosh pit the next. Originally exploding onto the scene with their legendary debut album, 1996’s Destruction by Definition, the group quickly established itself as one of the most aggressive yet catchy groups to emerge from ska’s Third Wave. After brief flirtations with power-pop and hard rock around the turn of the millennium, The Suicide Machines brought back the ska and hardcore in a big way on the highly vicious and political A Match and Some Gasoline and War Profiteering is Killing Us All. The two LPs saw the band recapture their trademark sound and imbue it with a heavier focus on political rage, with lyrics criticizing the military-industrial complex, police violence, voter apathy, and several other topics that are every bit as important two decades later. With new music and a perpetually burning flame for social change, we can’t wait for this exceptional group to finally grace our festival stage.

It wouldn’t be a proper 25th Anniversary Celebration without THE SLACKERS, would it? Originally appearing at the fourth annual Ska and Reggae Fest back in 2003, NYC’s kings of soulful ska are coming back for the fourth time. Performing a blend of Caribbean riddims and tender Americana, the group has aptly christened its music “Jamaican Rock n’ Roll.” Offering exquisite musicianship and singer-pianist Vic Ruggiero’s impassioned voice and lyrics, it’s easy to see why they’ve amassed a serious cult following around the globe. Much like The Suicide Machines, these guys are still putting out some of their strongest material 30 years into their career. Also joining us on the bill is Burlington Ontario’s THE CREEPSHOW. Perhaps Canada’s favorite psychobilly band, the group has concocted a perfect blend of punk and vintage rock n’ roll, sporting big hair, bigger hooks, and a twisted love of the macabre. Opening the evening is Vancouver’s own SPACE CHIMP, whose punky reggae rock will bring some groovy BC vibes to the stage. Lastly, keeping the sound system cooking between sets is Victoria’s DJ I-LOT. Known for his regular reggae nights at the Victoria Event Center alongside fellow festival regular Judah Roots, I-Lot is going to hit you with vintage vinyl packed with the hottest ska, reggae, and dub around. Ska, hardcore, psychobilly, and reggae all under one roof? That’s the Ska and Reggae Fest for you. See you on the dancefloor!

Get Email Updates