{image1}In was in February when the guitarist and lead singer of Milwaukee's Modern Machines, Nato Paisano, gave an interview in this very publication about keeping the punk spirit alive. As the band is about to go on tour to promote their newest release, titled "Thwap!" (out on San Francisco label New Disorder Records), the three remaining members, bassist Danny K, Jon Hands-On, and Ben Oihawk, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Paisano for a follow-up interview.

A light bulb appears above the three as they frantically try to get hold of their missing leader. "If we do the interview without him," they think, "the readers and our fans get to hear our side of the Modern Machines story."

The truth is their stories are similar. Paisano, Danny K, and Hands-On had been playing in a hardcore punk group known as The Shrubbers. The band broke up, and Paisano and Oihawk began writing songs that sounded more rock and roll than hardcore punk. This fluid change in style was an even easier transition with Danny K and Hands-On back in the mix, and the occasion was marked by naming the band Modern Machines.

"Thwap!" is a perfect example of this transition. Each track shines with nods to the band's diverse array of influences, ranging from Husker Du to The Replacements. Oishak declares that the new album sounds "more arty," while Danny K says that it is "a little more all over the place." With this library of sound to choose from, it doesn't seem to frustrate them being labeled as a "punk band."

"I don't think it has to be a limiting label," explains Danny K. In fact, their wide musical range has been a source of pride, as he recalls this story:

"One time at a party, I just went around and talked with tons of people in bands. I just went around and asked everyone, 'Who are your top three songwriting influences?' I got all kinds of interesting answers, but everyone in our band listed different bands in their top three."

Those who listen to their album will also see that the Modern Machines take satisfaction in many other things as well. One of the songs off of the new album, titled "(We're A) Basement Band," is a manifesto describing their preference in venues. "It's a more personal experience for us and the audience," says Oihawk, "How cool would the title sound if it was called "(We're A) Dance Hall Band'?"

"My Side of the River" is a sly declaration how delighted they are living in Milwaukee's most diverse neighborhood: Riverwest.

Says Oihawk: "I think everyone in the band has a certain amount of pride in the fact that they live in Milwaukee. Musically, it's a great place to live. It's filled with people who aren't concerned with pretension."

"I moved here four years ago," says Danny K, "(Riverwest) is the most diverse neighborhood in the city. It's the traditional working-class radical neighborhood. I dig it a lot. The neighborhood rubs off on us a lot."

Even though some of the band's songs seem locally-focused, their themes can be applied universally when the band takes them on tour. All the members of the band have day jobs, and while the demands of touring would stress out even the most established bands, the Modern Machines thrive in them.

"We want to tour more," Danny K says. "You meet the best people. They're so nice to you."

The band and their fans consider "Thwap!" to be the Modern Machines' greatest achievement so far. As they do with every aspect of the band, Danny K, Oihawk, and Hands-On take great pride in taking the 16 songs on the album across the country. If Paisano were here, they're sure he would agree.

The Modern Machines will play Sat., Oct. 25 at the Barely Legal House in Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.modernmachines.org.