The Suicide Machines

The Suicide Machines have discovered an ingenious way to branch into pure pop and alt-rock without alienating the fanbase that adores the band’s early hardcore and ska efforts. The Detroit outfit funnels its artistic experimentation into its recent albums, hit-and-miss efforts that play like various-artists compilations, and goes back to basics during its blistering live sets, which consist almost entirely of material from its hard-skanking debut, Destruction by Definition, and its follow-up thrashathon, Battle Hymns. Against All Authority has also evolved, moving from a band whose perky tunes belied its strident political lyrics to a group whose gruff vocals and growling guitars reinforce its righteous rage.