The music of Mclusky is an example of how punk rock can work on multiple levels. On first listen, Mclusky can come off as goofy, over-the-top guitar rock, but after repeat listens to their new album, The Difference Between Me and You is That I’m Not on Fire, it becomes clear that there is a certain brilliance at work in their foul-mouthed, cynical songwriting, and an incredible energy that makes the record scream through speakers as if the band was tearing apart your living room.

While many bands consistently update and expand their sound as they put out records, Mclusky has taken a different route throughout their career to this point. The band was started in Cardiff, Wales, in late 1997, by Andrew Falkous (gtr/vox), Matthew Harding (drums), and Jonathan Chapple (bass). By 2000, they had released their first record on Fuzzbox–a local label. My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful Than Yours showed incredible promise despite an unevenness to the album. It is the sound of a band recording every song they know without really considering the impact of the album on a whole. Regardless, as a debut, it is surprisingly good, showcasing a band that can really run the gamut of heavy fast punk with an excellent pop sense.