by Liam, at State Of Emergency Zine (England)

Amerikan Made play a delightfully melodic yet ultimately driving brand of punk rock, think; Pennywise and Sum 41. Their self titled album represents the darker side of this genre with moods that may take listeners back to early Alkaline Trio, yet offer a more accessible edge.
‘Misery’ is a watery yet memorable opener with the hooky line of; ‘Don't count on me for misery’. The aggressive ‘Not The King’ follows this song drawing heavily from street and hardcore punk.

The record ascends to a new level of accomplishment with the haunting; ‘More’ a song that is not only memorable but totters between razor edged riffs and subtle lead much like dark punk contemporaries AFI. However unlike AFI; Amerikan Made never become too concerned about intricacies of beauty. ‘Feeling Grim’ with lines like; ‘Feelin’ grim, as you sit in the dark with the, T.V. on, Change the channels you don't want to watch, but they're always on’ explores themes of loneliness with the justifying line of; ‘My lack of friends is my escape’. The chorus is a little forgettable but when following the rather dull; ‘Falling Up’ it’s sumptuous lead guitar and strong pace ensure it’s survival.

Bass led; ‘405’ bustles along showcasing the vocalist’s style nicely - whereas the next delve into the hardcore; ‘Hate’ that just doesn’t offer the catchiness of earlier song ‘Not The King’. The band, at least in most cases are far more at home with the fast paced and catchy straight up punk rock demonstrated nicely in; ‘Don’t’ and the larger than life; ‘Faith’ with it’s shadowy riffs and potent drumming coming together strongly. However, once the power softens the band weave a delicate verse. These two elements, matched with a strong chorus form a fantastic song that surpasses the album’s production limitations.

‘I Pledge’ suffers from tinny drumming and despite it’s strong convictions; remains quite avoidable when compared to the powerful ‘United Anarchy’. Title track ‘Amerikan Made’ is a slow burning political song with lines like; ‘Dropping bombs on Vietnam, our solution is Amerikan Made’ backed up by epic structuring and suitably haunting vocals. This is a song you can imagine NOFX pumping out circa 1996. At the end of the record there is a bonus track featuring a surprisingly good rendition of 50’s classic; ‘Only You’ which finishes proceedings off nicely and in a light hearted manner. Amerikan Made have not 100% succeeded on this record but there are enough fantastic songs here to not only entertain you but reaffirm your faith in modern punk rock.