Album Review: Second Skin by The Pneurotics
The Pneurotics’ Second Skin is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2009 under their own steam (Not On Label), this U.S.-born rock gem feels raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. It’s the kind of record where every track seems to carry a piece of its creators—warts and all. With Rich McLaughlin at the helm as the primary songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, the album has a cohesive vibe even when it jumps between moods and styles.
Let’s talk standouts. “Roses” hits hard right out of the gate. From the opening riff, it’s clear this isn’t your cookie-cutter power ballad—it’s gritty, layered, and dripping with emotion. Rich’s vocals are equal parts raspy and heartfelt, while Mimi McLaughlin’s backing harmonies add just enough sweetness to balance the edge. What sticks with me most about this track is how honest it feels; no overproduced nonsense here. You can practically hear the sweat and soul poured into each note.
Then there’s “White Man’s Disease,” which I gotta say, caught me off guard—not once but twice since it shows up again later in the album. This track leans heavier into social commentary, blending sharp lyrics with an infectious groove. Gabe Mixon’s drumming drives the energy forward, giving the song a heartbeat that refuses to let go. It’s the type of tune you find yourself humming hours after listening, only to realize you’re still chewing on its message.
Credit goes to Chris Boerner for wearing multiple hats—recording, mixing, producing—and keeping things tight without losing the band’s scrappy charm. Brent Lambert’s mastering deserves a shout too; the sound quality holds up well over a decade later. And let’s not sleep on Laurie Smithwick’s design or Betsy Harris’s photography—they give the album a visual identity that matches its sonic grit.
What makes Second Skin linger isn’t perfection—it’s personality. Sure, some tracks feel rough around the edges, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s like catching a live show from your favorite dive bar band, except they somehow managed to bottle that magic.
Here’s the kicker: despite being over ten years old, this album doesn’t feel dated. Maybe it’s because rock done right never really goes out of style. Or maybe it’s because Second Skin reminds us what music should be—real, flawed, and human. Either way, if you’re looking for something that’ll stick with you long after the last chord fades, give this one a spin.
Oh, and hey—if nothing else, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what “White Man’s Disease” sounds like. Twice.
