Review MIDLIFE CRISIS “45 Turns 33”

The inflationary use of the term “supergroup” is something I try to avoid on MHMB, but in this case the four guys from Midlife Crisis are a supergroup. The line-up is a who-is-who of the Swedish rock scene. Urke, Dregen, Måns P. Månsson and Robban Eriksson are guys with a history in bands like The Hellacopters, Backyard Babies, Maryslim and others.

The roots of Midlife Crisis can be found in 2004, when the guys paid homage to their punk rock roots with 7″ and EPs that were released between then and now. With “45 Turns 33” the quartet releases a compilation of all their previous releases.

Inspired by the punk rock of the ’70s, the guys follow their musical passion and provide fans of anarchic punk rock with such straightforward tracks as the smashing “Vital Hours”, while it is the opener “Sick Of You” that sets the scene for this energetic punk rock album. Rather unique is the Swedish version of the UK Subs classic “Same Thing”, which became “Samma Sak” and hasn’t lost any of its power. By the way, the artwork of the original 7″ is pretty cool as it shows photos of the guys from their childhood to the here & now.

“45 Turns 33” is a great compilation of energetic punk rock with some rough edges and a powerful sound. These songs sound raw and express the essence of punk rock. Well done.