Album: Same Drug New High
Label: Steamhammer / SPV
Band: Gluecifer
Origin: Norway
Album Number: Comeback album (20-year gap since 2005 split)
Band Reunited: 2018
Release Year: January 16th, 2025
Line Up:
Biff Malibu – Vocals
Captain Poon – Guitar
Raldo Useless – Guitar
Danny Young – Drums
Peter Larsson – Bass
Tracklist:
01. The Idiot
02. Same Drug New High
03. Armadas
04. I´m Ready
05. The Score
06. Pharmacity
07. 1996
08. Made In The Morning
09. Mind Control
10. Another Night, Another City
11. On The Wire
How do certain bands manage a 20-year hiatus between releases and somehow return even stronger? Most artists face a scene that’s transformed beyond recognition during such gaps. After reuniting in 2018, the Norwegian punks teased this album extensively before finally delivering on their promises. Rather than a throwaway “here’s some new music” effort while touring the fan-favorite hits, Gluecifer approached this properly—the result is an album reminding us “how it should be done.”
Founding members Captain Poon (guitar) and Biff Malibu (vocals), alongside longtime bandmates Peter Larsson (bass), Danny Young (drums), and Raldo Useless (guitar), sound better than ever. Pure punk ethos, determination, and grit propel every single track on the album. It launches (perfectly) with ‘The Idiot’ and features an angry rooster adorning the cover. Theoretically, I could end the review there—longtime fans will purchase it regardless, punk enthusiasts know them and will buy it regardless, anyone with humour should/will spot the cover and buy it regardless, and if the opening track brings a grin to your face, you’ll likely make the effort and buy it regardless.
Yet for thoroughness, the title track maintains momentum, proving the comeback isn’t merely a strong opening followed by filler. There are hints of The Hives throughout, meaning their fanbase will likely adore this and buy it regardless.
Zero—and I mean zero—weak tracks exist here. Each bursts with energy, making us resent the band’s 2005 split that left us enduring a 20-year wait for new material. I’ve never witnessed them live, but based solely on the new album’s strength, I genuinely hope that changes in 2026. Fortunately, Gluecifer announced their 2026 concert tour will showcase not only their greatest hits and classics but also standout tracks from their latest album.
Ratings: 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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