Almighty
Punk was always in the Almighty"s blood. Growing up in Northern Ireland, band members were heavily influenced by Stiff Little Fingers and that attack-dog sensibility was often present in their music, even their more metallic efforts. It was when they incorporated punk into their image, though, that the problems really began. So it"s good to see them reformed after their 1996 split. This comeback album is a punk/rock crossover of high class that sets out its agenda with the opener, "Broken Machine," a churning, melody-infused grind. "I"m in Love (with Revenge)," meanwhile, recalls the New York Dolls" "Jet Boy." Ricky Warwick"s wordplay fits well with ex-Whatever member Nick Parsons"s clipped social commentary, extending the band"s range while maintaining consistency. --Dominic Wills