Millencolin - Ray
[Burning Heart]

The most frustrating thing about Good Charlotte is that behind the Fred Durst wannabe psychobabble, there is a semblance of talent. Every time they come on the radio you just want to wash away the pomposity. This is what Millencolin has done in their foray into the subject matter of assertiveness and human nature in the rasping offering that is ‘Ray’.

This Swedish quartet still retains an edge as is evident in the vibrant B-side ‘Phony Tony’, whereby coolness and bullying a given the short sharp shrift. Shades of Motion City Soundtrack creep into this offering via the clatteringly upbeat instrumentals and in the clarity of Nikola Sarcervic’s vocals. Despite the fact that Millencolin are now on their sixth album ‘Kingwood’, an emotion laden live track ‘Bullion’ finishes off a fresh offering.