After the Machines' poppy self-titled album, which was released only a year ago, it could have been predicted they would have cranked out more pop-driven albums if it meant more radio and MTV airplay; and therefore, more money. They must seem to care more about their die-hard fans because they're back to their stripped-down punk style, and they're better than ever. Only this time, they've gotten rid of most of their ska influence and stuck with good-old Rancid-style punk rock for most of the album.

The songs here are great and all over the place, and that's just from hearing most of the first half of the album (there's a whopping 14 songs). They've got the fun, happy punk covered with songs like "The Killing Blow" and "Honor Among Thieves," the snotty, screaming fast-punk covered with "Steal this Record" and "Off the Cliff," and the fist-pumping, yell-along punk taken care of with "Bleeding Heart" and the politically-charged "The Air We Breathe." For a little variety, "Stand Up" packed in a mellow reggae flow and their super psyched-up cover of "It's the End of the World As We Know It" is 10 times better (and harder-hitting) than the original in my opinion. Anyway, the entire album is great and it proves the Machines' are most likely back to their old ways for good.