セックス・マシンガンズ / Sex Machineguns - 未練Fire! (2014) - Three powerful facets of a resurrected legend - 85% (07/09/14)

Sex Machineguns is back in strength with this energizing teaser in form of three new songs. The band had been on hiatus since the departure of its previous drummer Ken’ichi in 2012. The two remaining members had joined forces with two other musicians to release a self-titled record under the banner Maintenance in 2013 which was an energizing speed metal record in the vein of traditional Sex Machineguns songs. Now the band has reformed with a new drummer called Leon. Guitarist Sussy who was with the band from 1996 and 2001 and who had occasionally helped out during live shows also plays on the new release even though he doesn’t seem to be considered an official band member again until now. 

I’m pleasantly surprised by the new release because it sounds more diversified and also fresher than the more traditional Maintenance release. All three songs definitely sound like Sex Machineguns but they offer three slightly different styles that all work very well. Title song “未練Fire!” took me by surprise as it almost starts like a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. Yes, you heard right. A dominant bass guitar and a vivid drumming meet laid back road trip guitar sounds before the track gets a little bit heavier and faster. The vocal performances vary between psychedelic sound effects and energizing melodic tones. The catchy chorus with a couple of gang shouts explains why this track has been chosen as the band’s first new single in two years and a half. Overall, this track is somewhere on the edge of hard rock and heavy metal music with a few hints at crossover and punk rock. 

“ダッチの奥さん” starts with interesting drum loops before dystopian guitar sounds kick in that remind me of early Voivod. Later on, the song gets a more traditional thrash metal track vibe with some punk rock influences. Still, the track goes back to the dystopian opening from time to time. The melodic and powerful chorus got immediately stuck on my mind. It almost seems as if the band had improved its already impressive song writing qualities during the short hiatus.

Last but not least in line is “オフィスレディー”. This is by far the fastest track on here. The lead vocals are a little bit nastier and more guttural. Even the gang shouts are angrier and more unchained than in the other two songs. This song could have been included on the Maintenance release. It’s a powerful thrash or speed metal track with an original song writing in form of short breakdowns and a middle part that features both more grooving riffs and a speedy melodic guitar solo. Long time fans of Sex Machineguns may like this track best on here.

The only complaint I have about this release would be the drum sound. It sounds quite tinny, especially in the second track. It’s not as annoying as on Metallica’s “St. Anger” but it’s getting on my nerves after a while. This is a little bit sad because bass guitar, guitars and vocals sound raw and yet clear on this release and the drum sound is the only obvious flaw.

I don’t know if these three songs may make it on an upcoming full length release. If this was the case, I would simply wait for the upcoming album instead of purchasing this EP. If that wasn’t the case, I think you should purchase this release because all three tracks are truly great efforts for different reasons. The future for Sex Machineguns sounds quite promising again.