SSS Problems to the Answer

On Problems to the Answer, SSS's third full-length, the Liverpudlians live up to their name. Eight of the 25 songs are less than a minute long, and 11 more clock in under two. Not much time to waste, and these Brits pack as much piss and vinegar into those few seconds as possible. SSS leans to the left of the leather-clad thrash revivalists, fusing 80's-era Agnostic Front, DRI, and Suicidal Tendencies (even a little GWAR) into a 50-50 grind of skate worthy crossover. From the circle pit stomps of "Eat Me Burn Me Drink Me," the obvious momentum of "Speed Freaks," to the disaffected youth anthem "Tales Out of School," it feels like 1988 all over again. There aren't many single note riffs. There aren't many breakdowns. What there is, is an abundance of fast power chords over fast drums, a ringing ride cymbal and shouted vocals with a British accent that adds a touch of the old Oi! feel. It's a throwback done with passion and honesty, unlike some of the cardboard cutouts seen on these shores. There's also variety. Right off the bat "The Kill Floor" shifts with meter changes, "Laughing Leads to Crying" has a quick wah-wah solo. The one breather from the breakneck pace, "Future Primitive," is a slower plucking, creepy crawl instrumental, changing up the blasts of vitriol. The record's real standout, and head-scratcher, is the other instrumental, closer "Strangenotes," with its 8-minute duration, piano interlude and avant-garde bridge. Some of the middle songs fly by so quickly that they blend into each other. But those bursts of rage serve as a barometer for the bands longer bits. For every slap dash number like "Direct Action" or "Quick Fix" there is the skin needling "Politics of Convenience" or the prophetic cadence found in "Here Comes the Neighbourhood," showing that SSS is adept at both speed and songwriting. There have been an inordinate number of bands trying their hand at this genre's second coming. While those kids are busy Googling "old school crossover," SSS is doling it out lump upon bloody lump, stripped down, with no bullshit. Bottom Line: The USA's neo-thrash movement has jumped the shark and this Scouse outfit is eating the survivors alive.