Mclusky

The Difference Between Me And You Is That I'm Not On Fire (2004)

alkalinetrio0087

In 2002 Mclusky released possibly the most kickass hardcore album of the new century with infuckingcredible "Mclusky Do Dallas". It had killer riffs, hilarious and smart lyrics, and was generally about ten pounds of attitude in a five pound bag. So I was highly anticipating their follow-up.

They've changed drummers, but the sound remains largely intact. The quieter material like the leadoff single "She Will Only Bring You Happiness" and almost Radiohead-y fade out close "Support Systems" are not indicitive of the rest of the album. You could interpret that as either musical stagnation or consistency, and really that's not what matters, anyway. The question is whether its good. And it is, for the most part. Even if musically it's a departure, "She Will Only…" is lyrically stock Mclusky, ending with the chant "our old singer is a sex criminal" and generally dropping lyrical bombs every fifteen seconds or so.

The guitar line on opener "Without MSG I Am Nothing" is probably their best ever, and the song is one of their best too. Other standouts include the buildup in "Your Children Are Waiting For You To Die" and the dueling trumpets in "Forget Him I'm Mint".

The album sags a little in the middle but otherwise comes pretty close to "Do Dallas" as a fucking hardcore miracle.