Randy – Human Atom Bombs
(Burning Heart/Epitaph)

They have already proven beyond a doubt that you can’t keep a good band down, but Swedish political punk rockers Randy continue to rise above the norm with every album that they release.

Their last LP was brimming with sing along anthems about social issues, and The Human Atom Bombs gives us more of the same great stuff. Songs like “Karl Marx And History” and “Proletarian Hop” define precisely what Randy are all about: catchy, danceable songs that celebrate the prospects of rallying together to make a positive change in the world around us.

At times The Human Atom Bombs seems to be a seamless continuation of the last record; in fact, Proletarian Hop uses a guitar riff that virtually mirrors that album’s song, “Superstar”. Not all of the tracks on the disc evoke the same feeling of deja vu however. While their previous album had a big rock sound, this new album for the most part burns with a much scrappier, garage rock sound instead. The fuzzy guitars, distorted vocals and tinny, lo-fi production give the album both a 50’s and 60’s rock and roll feel. Which isn’t surprising, considering some of the sources of inspiration that are cited by the band in the liner notes: Huey Smith and the Clowns, Amos Milburn, Eddie Lang, and Little Richard, just to name a few.

The album is infused with the same hyperactive energy that they showed on their 1996 album “The Rest Is Silence”. There are some moments of complete energy overload, such as the chaotic “Whos Side Are You On” and “Chicken Shack”, but more restrained tunes like “Freedom Song” keep the album together by balancing out the pacing. Almost all the tracks on the record share a common trait, however. They are simply anthemic.

I cannot imagine anyone listening to this album and not being immediately grabbed by the youthful exuberance and fervent passion that is evident in Randy’s music. The music is so overwhelmingly infectious that you just may find yourself coming down with a fever after hearing it. Don’t be alarmed though. Odds are you just have a case of “The Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Punk Rock Flu”. And you know what? I’ve got that sickness too. — Sean