While there’s something to be said for outgrowing your roots, with their seventh studio effort, Machine 15, Millencolin seem to have completely shifted away from skate punk to the point where no elements of their former ska and SoCal influences are present. Another clinical effort that relies more on Veni Vidi Vicious-era Hives and Division of Laura Lee than on Bad Religion or Pennywise for inspiration, Machine 15 comes replete with horn sections and keyboard breakdowns over radio-rock arrangements. It’s a far cry from the band’s early days, when they effortlessly rose to the top of the skate punk heap.

If you ignore the rest of the band’s catalogue, Machine 15 is actually quite impressive. Songs like “Detox,” “Who’s Laughing Now” and “Route One” are peppy, poppy and enjoyable despite their vacuous nature. However, unless this album is your introduction to the world of Millencolin, the new approach feels like an easier road than their more genuine — and therefore memorable — punk rock roots.