Suicidal Tendencies keeps fizzing, even if soda’s diet
Thirty years after first furiously demanding a Pepsi on “Institutionalized,” the signature track on Suicidal Tendencies’ self-titled 1983 debut, frontman Mike Muir is still requesting said beverage in song.
Only now, it’s the diet version of the soft drink that he asks for on “Shake It Up,” the opening cut of “13,” the band’s latest album of conscientious punk-metal.
’Cause, you know, sugar’s bad for you, and after three decades of tirelessly raging against the demons inside his head, various powers-that-be and, of course, his mom for not just giving him that damn Pepsi to begin with, Muir’s got to keep his health up.
And the man’s doing a good job of it, at least judging by his energy levels on “13.”
The album lacks the introspection that truly distinguished Muir from all the posturing tough guy singers in the interconnected ’80s punk, metal and hardcore scenes, but not the exploding adrenaline glands that powered it all.
Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476. Follow on Twitter @JasonBracelin.