"As the lead singer Jason Navarro says in his thanks, A match and some gasoline is very much a protest cd. In the past, the political leanings of the Suicide Machines, although present, could be overlooked, if someone really wanted to ignore them. With this cd, this is not possible. This cd's political message shows through in nearly every song, and is as clear as a cd case- Never trust your government, and always speak out.
"Your Silence", quite possibly the most thought-provoking song on the cd, is an extremely well done protest of the war in Iraq; It shows the reason the band is protesting, while, in a way, telling people exactly what they can do about the war, all to a loud, punk beat that has remained in my head for weeks.
Iraq, however, is not the only thing this cd protests. As demonstrated in "Politics of Humanity", "Burning in the Aftermath", and "Your Silence" the cd protests global ignorance and apathy. "Did You Ever Get A Feeling of Dread", "Invisible Government", and "Keep It A Crime" protest Governments's, especially the U.S. Government's, attempts to control the people at large. The hidden track, placed at the end of "Politics of Humanity", has a deeply touching protest of nuclear warfare, with many cultural references that only add to the power of the song.
This cd's only value is not message, however. A match and some gasoline carries on the Suicide Machines' excellent musicianship, the fast paced, heavily drummed beats, the quite accomplished, punk-styled singing, with the occasional quiet, slow song mixed in to great affect.
This is the best cd I have ever heard. If you are in the least bit considering buying this cd, I recommend you do, especially if you enjoy the Suicide Machines' previous music."
The Suicide Machines return to form.
Brent M. | south-eastern Ohio, USA | 06/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With their 5th studio album, TSM return to their ska-core roots we all came to love them for. By all means, I'm not saying that the previous two albums were bad, because they showed great variety, but "A Match and Some Gasoline" was exactly what I expected out of The Suicide Machines at this point in their wonderful career. As all TSM CDs are, this is a very short album, so it is very easy to sit down and listen to it all together. The Suicide Machines still throw a little bit of experimental tracks on the album, such as "One more Time", whcih is really groovy and catchy, and "The Change", which sounds kind of poppy. However, this is mainly classic Suicide Machines, and I've been playing it ever since I bought it two years ago. Here are some of my favorite tracks on the CD :
1. Burning In The Aftermath - Very provocative lyrics, but even more provocative music. This song is probably the heaviest on the CD, but I love it. A great opener.
4. High Anxiety - A majorly catchy tune. This song will be stuck in your head for days. My favorite part about this song would have to be the bridge.
5. Your Silence - Not only my favorite song on the CD, but one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME. The introduction of this song is awesome, with Ryan banging on his toms, then the cymbals kick in with Dan. The drum break is pretty cool, along with the section where Jay screams at the top of his lungs, "The world is spinning out of control!!!"
8. One More Time - As i mentioned earlier, an experimental track, but it's one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard. It talks about child abuse, and how the nation is doing nothing about it.
9. Beat My Head Against The Wall - This song just may have you beating your head against the wall. The first time I heard this track I felt like going out and running 10 miles. A Non-stop, in-your-face trashing of a song.
So, if you were disappointed in the good old Suicide Machines because of the previous two albums, set aside your differences with your head and pick this one up. Simply put, it's great music, with a kick! Thank you for your time."
The Machines Take A Stand
Mike | W. Jordan, UT | 07/22/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Suicide Machines have been reading some Michael Moore. At least that was my feeling after listening to their new release "A Match & Some Gasoline." From anti-Bush diatrabes to attacks on corporate capitalism that results in mass unemployment, the album could easily have been produced by Moore.Longtime fans of Suicide Machines will be very happy with this album. The ska is back with a vengence, and the album is their angriest since "Battle Hymns." The album deftly navigates between ska and hardcore punk and often, such as the standout "Did You Ever Get A Feeling Of Dread," blends the two nicely.Their most political album to date, a decent 75% of the album focuses on government workings, from the anti-war rants of "Burning In The Aftermath" and "Your Silence," to the album's best track, "Seized Up," which plays out like a musical version of Michael Moore's famed documentary "Roger & Me."Despite what recent releases might lead you to believe, the Suicide Machines still have some anger they need to vent, and "A Match And Some Gasoline" is an energetic and enlightening way for them to blow off some steam."
Absolutely Awesome!!!
xxlessthanfishxx | Bristol, IN United States | 06/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album blows my mind everytime I listen to it. The Suicide Machines have finally made an album comparing to "Destruction By Definition". It's incredible. All the energy which put The Suicide Machines on my top bands list has been recaptured and I'm incredibly pleased with "A Match and Some Gasoline". This is The Suicide Machines to the bone. Nothing like it."
A decent break from the ordinary
Nick Colosi | Chesterland, OH, USA | 04/05/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I am not one to listen to alot of punk rock, so it was definately something different when I decided to buy this CD, but their songs on Tony Hawk's Underground 2 had me hooked. I have to say, besides being really short, this album is really good. I love how unlike some bands, The Suicide Machines vary their songs from track to track so they all don't sound the same.
1.Burning in the Aftermath: A good opening song, one of the many fast and hard ones. 8/10
2.Did you ever get the Feeling of Dread?: Instantly fell in love with this song, it's so catchy and has amazing lyrics. 9/10
3.Keep it a Crime: Meh... not my favorite, it's so short and maybe actually a little too fast, since I have no idea what they're saying unless I have the lyrics next to me. 6/10
4.High Anxiety: The first song I heard on Tony Hawk's Underground 2, great melodic catchy punk song. 8/10
5.Your Silence: The other song I heard before I bought the CD, love the fast verses and the vocals are awesome. 9/10
6.The Change: Not a bad song, it's catchy, more on the punk side. I'm not sure why you'd wanna make a son about change, but whatever works for them. 7/10
7.Invisible Government: Probably my least favorite track, it's got the vocals but they sorta drag on until the chorus, which isn't that good either, plus the song's not even a minute long. 5/10
8.One More Time: I've heard this song called poppy alot, but to be it doesn't seem any more poppy than High Anxiety, I actually like it. 8/10
9.Beat my Head Against the Wall: AWESOME song, probably second best on the CD. 10/10
10.Seized Up: Best song on the CD, it stands out so much from the other tracks in my opinion, but it's still fast and catchy and Suicide Machines, an amazing track. 10/10
11.Split the Time: Pretty good song, faster but on the softer side, which is good because the CD wouldn't be too good if it had all screaming songs like 5 and 9. 7/10
12.Koleidascope: Not a bad song, nothing too special about it though, nothing to really stand out. 6/10
13.Politics of Humanity: A strange track, probably because it had the worst verses, but the best chorus, so it evens out in the end. It could have been alot better if they actually sang the verses instead of just... said them. 6/10
14.Acoustic Track: I love the bonus song, I've had times where I've listened to it three or four times, it's just so good. 9/10
So that's it, and since this is my first album from the band, I dunno how they've changed and what not, but I would reccomend the CD anyway to anyone who listens to punk or even people that don't, I mean this is my first punk CD, and I love it."