Reviews

By the mid to late 1980s the popularity of Ramones was on the decline. Punk had taken on many new guises, most of them more aggressive and socially-engaged. They were a band of another generation, and to the new punk fans, nothing more than a legacy act. Clearly noticing the decreasing record sales the band began returning to their roots in their late 80s output. Although they themselves later said it wasn't a favourite (mostly due to the infighting amongst the members during the recording), 1989's Brain Drain was not only an album that felt genuine and mature, it also felt like it was readying the band for the decade to come - a decade that would eventually find Ramones fashionable again. The raucous 'I Believe In Miracles' opens the album, and although musically there is nothing new, the lyrics are deeper than the band is usually known for. It's a great opener that fires up the listener with its punch and purpose. 'Zero Zero UFO' is more in line with the usual Ramones whacky lyrics, but it a great high-speed track. The album continues with great muscular riffs for the next few tracks, and the band feel energised and committed to the material. 'Punishment Fits The Crime' almost feels more of a metal anthem than punk, with a great crunch in the guitar tone. It isn't all great though - 'All Screwed Up' is pretty cheesy and dates the album to the time-period, and 'Pet Sematary' (the song for the movie of the same name) is not bad, but just a bit of an sore fit amongst the other tracks. 'Come Back, Baby' is a pseudo-ballad, but Joey Ramone's vocal range was never designed for softer songs. For the most part though, tracks like these are buried amongst punchy punk anthems like 'Learn To Listen' and 'Ignorance Is Bliss'. It all ends a bit flat with the seasonal 'Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)', which is not only a song you can only play at one time of the year - but isn't really a song you would want to play at all. Although not their greatest album, when listening to the faster tracks early Green Day and The Offspring come to mind, and there is clearly influence here. If making sure they still mattered was the intent of the band, they did that with this album - making a set of catchy songs that carried the legacy of their early album on its shoulders.

Celebrating 30th year anniversary this month (June 2025) seems appropriate to review a favourite band of mine and their sophomore release following on from Soul Of A New Machine (1992) and the E.P. Fear Is A Mindkiller (1993), It was an incredibly impressive set of music across 3 releases. In the path of the likes of Ministry, it was a period of me loving Industrial Metal releases. However, if you compare the two, their sound is miles part in my view, but I won't get into that now. Demanufacture - as many punters say and I agree, was the commencement the period of the classic line up for the band, with Burt, Dino, Raymond and Christian. Over the years the door has swung a lot, including the atomic clock himself (Hoglan). In any case, for me, the band could do no wrong. I got the impression that writing and recording songs was as simple as spreading butter on a piece of toast. They had an approach to their writing and recording of music that wasn't going to mess around with tempo changes and guitar solos. Their craft simply focused on frenetic ear bursting sound, however with a secret unique weapon. That is Burt's vocals brutal and soulful. He switches perfectly between the two which again provided a differential for the band. Highlights of the release certainly have to start with first track. It perfectly sums up all you will hear from the band. Face mashing guitars, frenetic drum beats and Burt starting with his howling before engagement with the growls. ''I've got no more goddam regrets'' on repeat is just brilliant. A perfect opener that hooks the listener into their lair. From here it becomes hard as every track has a different delivery approach. 'New Breed' is another standout. As we have come to learn, the band love to include a cover - 'Dog Day Sunrise' delivers on this this and deserves a shout out. However, if I am to be honest, the album does fall flat in the middle part. As much as I am a devotee to the band, thinking they can do no wrong, this record doesn't reach the highs of a previous L.P. and E.P. sadly.