These would-be punk rock nerds get points taken off immediately for not doing their homework and taking the same name as an elder and semi-famous UK punk band from the seventies. Can you get past that? If so, then read on.

On first listen, this record is totally disposable, except for a couple of catchy tunes. On second listen the catchy tunes are already in your head a little bit, and some of the more mediocre tunes stand out a bit more. Subsequent listens will not get you much more than that. There are a couple of pure pop-punk ditties in here that can easily earn a place on any mix-tape. Ok, mix-CD. Does anyone still have tapes? Mix-CD just doesn’t flow off the tongue though.

Getting back to the Automatics, The title track, "Murder Suicide" is easily the strongest track on the CD. It’s darn good too. Another good one, "Good Things" is reminiscent of Descendents from days of yore. "This Unit" reminds me a bit of one of my new favorite bands, the Selby Tigers. I know it’s not possible that they’ve influenced the Automatics, but it’s nice to find kindred spirits. That, and robot songs are, for the most part, always fun. So take the good songs and the songs that are enjoyable, but not memorable, and you’ve got a something you can listen to on the odd occasion. I say "odd" occasion because there are a couple of rather clumsy attempts that are somewhat annoying and sophomoric. "Stuck in Traffic" is pretty good at getting it’s point across, but probably not in the manner it was intended.

Murder Suicide is not a great record. It’s fairly mediocre, but it’s bright spots are pretty good. If you are the type with a lot of extra cash and don’t mind buying a CD for a couple of tracks, then send your money to me and download those tracks off this months version of Napster. I would imagine that these guys do their best to put on a good live show. Nerds are some of the best punkers.

Just Add Water Records P.O. Box 420661 San Francisco, Ca 94142

Reviewer: Kilwag