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Single Review: Social Distortion – Machine Gun Blues (+ Album Stream)

Since forming in the late 70s, Social Distortion have been a mainstay of the American punk scene. Never quite breaking into the mainstream as much as newer bands, but still managing to keep their loyal fanbase interested. After many lineup changes and six studio albums, Social Distortion are now gearing up to release their seventh LP entitled ‘Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes’.

The first single from the album is ‘Machine Gun Blues’, a toned down punk track but still as catchy as ever. Despite being recorded in 2010 the song still sounds like the original band’s first singles recorded over thirty years ago. They might not be as fast or thrashy as the punk acts of today, but they still have their niche of softcore punk fans. The song itself sounds quite tame and keeps a very simple structure throughout. Despite this, it is catchy and gets stuck in your head after only two plays. As well as the lyrics, though, it’s Mike Ness’ all-American vocals that really make ‘Machine Gun Blues’ what it is. It’s not their best work, but it’s unmistakeably them.

‘Machine Gun Blues’ and the rest of their new album, ‘Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes’ (released on 17 January), can be streamed below for a limited time.

6/10