UMUR "Lost My Brain! (Once Again)" is the first solo album by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir, released under the Cyco Miko monicker. The album was released through Epic Records in January 1996. After the release of "Suicidal for Life (1994)", that incarnation of Suicidal Tendencies more or less disintegrated, and although Muir opted to continue the band, he did have some downtime, where he could spend time on this solo project.

Stylistically the material on the album aren´t similar to the the last couple of releases by Suicidal Tendencies nor to the funk metal of Muir´s other project Infectious Grooves. Instead Muir has gone back to his punk/hardcore roots and the listener is therefore treated to a simple and melodic type of punk rock, with the occasionally harder edged hardcore moment. I am at times reminded of The Ramones, so the music is not as hard edged or aggressive as the early output by Suicidal Tendencies.

"Lost My Brain! (Once Again)" features a well sounding production and the musicianship is also on a high level. Muir´s distinct sounding voice and singing style will probably always be an aquired taste, but to my ears he does a great job here and his vocals provide the music with a touch of originality. Highlights include album opener "I Love Destruction", "Nothing to Lose", and especially "Ain't Mess'n Around", but while not all tracks are equally remarkable, there´s nothing of sub par quality here, and "Lost My Brain! (Once Again)" is upon conclusion a quality release and a 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is deserved.

Time Signature All the way...

Genre: Cyco Miko madness

There are several different musical impression and influences on this album, but the one factor that provides the constant anchor point is the funk, as most tracks, regardless whether the draw on thrash, hardcore punk, hard rock, alternative rock, hip hop, industrial or whatever, contain funky elements - especially in the form of popping and slapping bass figures.

Some tracks are funk free, such as the opening 'M.M.M.' which is an all out metal track, while 'All the Way!' and 'Full of it' hearken back to Mike Muir's hardcore/crossover roots, and 'Slo Death' is a heavy doom-ladden track, while 'Got Feelings?' is a mellower ballady affair. Apart from those, Cyco Miko delivers an onslaught of mostly solid funk metal tracks straight in yer face.

The production is extremely professional, although I wish that the bass would be more dominant in the mix.

Fans of funk metal will definitely enjoy this album in all its slapping, popping and funking splendor.