‘Mechanical’ is a relentless listen. Not ferocious nor overbearing, it never wavers from its intense gruff punk. Led by frontman Mark Pavey’s throaty vocals, from the opening bars of ‘Mariner’ the record offers thirty minutes of fast, nostalgic melody. By doing so, the unashamed homage to melodic punk sets itself apart from the abundance of pop inspired records. ‘Mechanical’ uses melody, yet never once approaches pop-punk territory.
It also does its thing at impressive speed. There are no breaks or interludes and those looking for a ballad or any sign of a down-tempo track won’t find solace here. Instead, listeners are offered a high-octane barrage of punk riffs with a welcome abundance of catchy hooks.
‘Mechanical’ does what a number of stateside counterparts have achieved. The balance in production retains the necessary grit, sitting against the vastly improved polish compared to their debut. The backing gang vocals and chants have just the right amount of “oi” to hark back to a simpler day in punk. It’s a refreshed take on a traditional sound, and one that has passed many British bands by.
With ‘Mechanical’, Pacer aren’t trying to revolutionise (perhaps a revolution in itself). Each of the eleven tracks brim with the band’s influences, from Descendents to NOFX, yet sit comfortably in their own skin. This isn’t punk for the modern generation, nor is it punk for the traditionalist. Instead Pacer are delivering punk for themselves, and you are invited to join their gang.
BEN TIPPLE