Album Review: Useless by Lithium Milkshake (1993)
Alright, let’s talk about Useless by Lithium Milkshake. This punk rock gem from 1993 hits hard and doesn’t apologize for it. Released under Shiva Records, this album feels like a raw punch to the gut—in the best way possible. It’s messy, loud, and unapologetically real, just like punk should be.
First off, can we take a moment for "Shovedhead"? That track sticks with you. Like, it burrows into your brain and refuses to leave. The basslines from Hans Stahl are sludgy but sharp, grinding against Justin Martin’s gritty vocals and guitar riffs that sound like they were ripped straight out of a garage jam session. There’s something about how pissed-off yet catchy it is—it’s like hearing someone scream their frustrations into a microphone while simultaneously daring you to dance. I mean, damn. Every time I hear those opening chords, I’m ready to smash stuff or start a mosh pit in my living room.
Then there’s the title track, “Useless.” Man, this one cuts deep. Lyrically, it’s got that self-loathing vibe that somehow makes you feel less alone. You know? Like, yeah, life sucks sometimes, but at least someone else gets it. Mark Pino’s drumming here is relentless—it drives the whole thing forward like a runaway train. And when the chorus kicks in… forget it. It’s one of those moments where you’re either screaming along at the top of your lungs or quietly nodding because, yeah, that’s exactly how you feel right now.
The production isn’t perfect—hell, it’s far from polished—but that’s part of its charm. Co-producer Adam Mackintosh and engineer Don Hunter kept things raw, letting the band’s energy shine through without overthinking it. Plus, shoutout to Bill Lightner for mastering; he managed to make everything sound cohesive without losing that DIY edge. And props to whoever came up with the design concept (Waffle? Seriously, what a name)—it fits the chaotic vibe perfectly.
Looking back, Useless feels like a snapshot of early '90s punk before it got all commercialized. It’s not trying to impress anyone; it just exists, loud and unfiltered. Listening to it today, it reminds me why I fell in love with punk in the first place.
Here’s the weird thing though—if Lithium Milkshake had dropped this album today, would anyone even notice? Or would it get lost in the endless scroll of playlists and algorithms? Either way, I’m glad I stumbled across it. Sometimes useless things turn out to be the most meaningful. Fucked up, huh?
