Bite Me! CD Reviews G - R
Glasseater (Fearless)
1/2
Inspired by the urge to spew forth lewd & crude rock ‘n’ roll rhythms, Glasseater beefed up their signature brand of dynamically raw punk on their third release. The Florida hardcore outfit’s self-titled effort contains more melody than days past but rocks just as hard. The album gets off to a nice start with the poppy-punk stylings of “Medicine”. “Nonsense To You, Everything To Us” throws you for a loop as the band mixes heart-on-sleeve-lyrics with a demonic sounding chorus. “Miles Ahead” follows the same angel vs. Satan pattern. The band’s punk roots really shine on “The Times We’ve Shared (Forever Family)”. Driven by a fierce energy these tracks flow fluidly between hardcore, emo, punk, and indie rock. -NIN
Grandmaster Flash – Essential Mix,
Classic Edition (Essential/ffrr/Formula)
No, this isn’t a CD of Grandmaster Flash material. This Essential Mix is Grandmaster Flash as DJ, spinning and mixing some of his favorite songs (which happen to also be groundbreaking in many cases). Somewhat clumsy mixes are the order of the day, but the song selection saves this Essential Mix from being a throwaway. “Planet Rock” from Afrika Mambaataa, “Give it Up or Turnit A Loose” by the inimitable James Brown, and InDeep’s “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” make this disc a keeper. –J
Guttermouth – Gusto
(Epitaph)
Better produced and ready for the mainstream Jackass crowd, Guttermouth come back at ‘cha with their latest. On Gusto, their lyrics remain as snotty as they ever were, while the songs are somehow…poppier? How is that possible? Throwing the term “punk” aside for more pop, Gusto should do very well with the crowd who secretly likes Blink 182, but won’t tell anyone for fear of losing their coolness factor. Yeah, I still like Guttermouth and this CD, but guys, don’t lose your demo. Come back next time with something a little more punk maybe. –J
The Hangmen - We’ve Got Blood On The Toes 0f Our Boots
(Acetate Records)
Take a noose and put it around their neck to no avail. The Hangmen can’t be stopped! Kicking and screaming, this live disk takes the proverbial forearm and pushes it up against your throat hard. Influenced equally by Johnny Cash and Johnny Rotten, The Hangmen define punk, cowpoke hillbilly rock. These four Angelenos take the blood on their boots; mix it with sweat, tears, attitude, and passion to deliver a freeway of lust of a record. Raspy, roots, and rocking all begin to address this purely American band. In it’s current incarnation original Hangman Bryan Small leads Angelique Congelton on bass and vocals, Jimmy James on guitar and vocals, and Todd Haney on drums. This Hangmen will assist you, in the same evening, to both fall down drunk while jumping up and down to their most dance happy numbers to later telling your girlfriend that you love her all while nursing your non-imported American bottled beer. Wear your second best outfit as you or someone will be sure to spill some swill on you while distracted by the Hangmen bliss. Standout tracks include “Tell Me,” “Last Drive,” “My Way,” “Bent,” and “Coal Mine,” which features guest vocalist Eddie Spaghetti of The Supersuckers. -Brendan McMahon
Home Grown – Kings of Pop
(Drive-Thru Records)
1/2
Why oh why is it that all punk pop is starting to sound the same? Could it be because I have reviewed the following in a short time: Guttermouth, Avail, Home Grown, Nerf Herder. And all of them fit into the same basic genre – sure Home Grown is more poppy and less funny than Guttermouth, and less angst driven than Avail, and definitely less cerebral than Nerf Herder. But Home Grown’s got that poppy songwriting thing going on for them! Good for Home Grown. Kings of Pop is a cool record – think Blink 182 and Less Than Jake. Kings…sounds like a more advanced Act Your Age with less high school references. And did I mention that Home Grown can write a snappy pop punk song? “I Love You Not” should be rapidly coming out of car windows all across town. -J
Home Town Hero (Maverick)
Home Town Hero is a band with promise. On their self-titled debut, the L.A. based outfit blends the spirit of power pop with the intensity of post alt-rock. The group’s songwriting prowess is reflected in every aspect of this solid offering. The album’s hefty tracks are undeniably powerful, moving, and interwoven with pop sensibilities. Heartfelt lyrics delivered by tough, throaty vocals exude an honesty that can’t be ignored. The band’s emphasis on intricate guitar lines is especially evident in the potent opener, “Bleeds in Blue.” Trashy riffs and anxious rhythms accentuate “Run Right Through.” Other standouts include the infectious “Questions,” the explosive “Saturday Morning,” and the hallucinogenic “Everything Out of Water.” "Eighteen” is a nice fusion of vintage pop with contemporary rock, and “Say I Do” will fare will with the Incubus/Hoobastank crowd. -NIN
Hot Water Music - Caution (Epitaph)
1/2
Listen up all you Hot Water Music fans, Caution is a great album. Picking up where A Flight And A Crash left off, Hot Water Music delivers tight and melodic hardcore on Caution. This upbeat disc exhibits the band’s seasoned skills and has a more polished sound than days past. Caution’s courageous tunes match the spirit of heartfelt punk with the intensity of guttural rock, and Grit-guzzling vocals provided by guitarists Chris Wollard & Chuck Regan complement the album’s abrasive hooks and anthemic choruses. You’ll find it hard to resist the head bopping, foot tapping beats of “Trusty Chords”. If you’re not hooked after that song then the utterly contagious “Wayfarer” will have begging for more. The thunderous “One Step To Slip” will make your speakers rumble. The complex rhythms that make up “I Was A Mountain” exhibit HWM’s musical maturity. Metal heads will cream over the Eddie Van Halen inspired into of “It’s All Related,” and the well-thought out rhythms of “The Sense” make this song a classic. “Sweet Disaster” is another great tune worth mentioning. I think it is safe to say that Caution is definitely a defining moment in Hot Water Music’s career. The record is a true testimonial of the group’s creative abilities. -NIN
Hypnogaja - Post Hypnotic Stress Disorder (Access Denied)
3/4
On Post Hypnotic Stress Disorder Hypnogaja break away from their DJ/Electronic roots and expand their musical focus via the addition of a live rhythm section. These laid-back pop rock gems capitalize on smokey grooves, swooshing beats, and funky melodies. Hypnogaja’s dedication to diversity is displayed in every aspect of these dynamically textured tunes, which are sophisticated, yet simple, with complex structures that are very subtle. Highlights: “Little By Little.” “I’d Rather Be,” and ”Time (Goes On)“. -NIN
Itchy Pushy - Dull Spoon Phalicide (Dysgenic Records) TOTAL CRAP! SPEND YOUR MONEY ON BOOZE INSTEAD!
Justin Donhauser (aka Itchy Pushy) has decided to take the better part of 2001 to record a pretentious interminable mess of an electronic album that simply has to be avoided at all costs. Goofy titles like "Boys Are Yucky" and "Free! All you can fuck" and calling his home computer studio Butane and Butt Sex Studios suggested this could be moronic frat rock. The fact that it got far worse to find that it was wanky bad electronica just made me want to vomit on this disc even more. Somewhere in the process, somebody should've busted down the locked door to this guy's home studio as he created his "masterwork" and been a good friend and said, "Wake the fuck up! Go get laid or watch a movie or somethin', but fer god's sake stop wasting your time on this crap!" -Repojay
Jeremiah Freed
(Republic-Universal Records)
Jeremiah Freed is not a person – it’s five very early twenty-something’s from the coastal town of York, Maine where one grows up to worship “Zep” and “Smith” (Aerosmith). York is a good two hours from Boston, the closest major metropolitan city, and Jeremiah Freed sound like they are at least 120 miles from an urban influence. Although producer Beau Hill produced the well-respected Bad Brains his resume also includes Ratt, and Jeremiah Freed’s sub-Creed sound misses the mark at most turns. Unfortunately, Jeremiah Freed sound like a band that would have a wind-machine in their videos to make their hair look ‘just-so’. Look out Rural America! Jeremiah Freed will be playing a county fair near you before you know what lightly hit you. -Brendan McMahon
jrCORDUROY – I Don’t Want To Be Around When You’re Gone For Good
(Sealed Fate)
I Don't Want to Be Around When You're Gone for Good showcases three strapping young lads from Massachusetts laying down 11 tracks of delicate drumming, mournful guitars, and melancholic vocals that evoke the darker side of human emotion. Songs about broken hearts and loss, reflection and our surroundings - these tunes are hitting on what may be typical topics, but in a fresh, poignant manner — a format that may be familiar for fans of Grandaddy material. "Telling a Lie" is about as close as jrCORDUROY ever gets to full-on rockin' and even that is subdued, but as far as this album is concerned that is not entirely the band's forte. Rather, through subtlety and patience, jrCORDUROY builds upon the listener. Put this album on at night and reflect; play it during the day and relax. Either way, it's an album full of precise insights - something that, while not entirely unique, is refreshing and needed in this day and age. -R-Lo
Keepsake - Black Dress In A B Movie (Fearless)
1/2
Keepsake’s poetic soul meshes nicely with their emo underpinnings on their latest offering, Black Dress In A B Movie. The album finds the progressive emo-rock outfit leaving behind their aggressive half in favor of swirling melodies and sensitive lyrics. Featuring a blend of intricately layered songs and torrent rock tracks, Black Dress In A B Movie sounds like a cross between Dashboard Confessional and Saves The Day. The first half of this disc is comprised of melancholy tunes that are spiked with pretty soundscapes and profound choruses as displayed in “Cartoon Life” and “Violent Love“. The band switches gears midway through beginning with “Ticket To Russia,” in which sweet sounding vocals give way to strained screams. The album peaks with “Spacebound” and “Letter to a Hostage,” which are by far the heaviest tracks on here. After that Keepsake makes their descent back into the world of mellow. The disc ends with a melancholy acoustical number titled “American Flight”. If you like sensitivity, Black Dress In A B Movie has lots of it. However, it may not be wise to digest this album all in one sitting. -NIN
King of Woolworths – Ming Star (Mantra Records)
King of Woolworths is the alter ego of Jon Brooks, as Slim Shady is to Marshall Mathers, better yet, Ziggy Stardust was to David Bowie. But this Manchester artist can easily be mistaken for "just another underground techo geek" - another in what's rapidly becoming a long line of new electronic artists. So what exactly sets him apart from all the other mediocre knob-twiddling and turntabling DJ's? Ming Star is one of those diamond-in-the haystack discoveries that resound with emotion. It has a visual quality all its own, which works very well for the listener. There is nothing that comes to mind to say about him, but if you wanna take the risk, go for it. However, keep in mind that I can’t even conjure up words, good or bad, about him. It's got to be extremely difficult, though, to break through the narrow opening between obscurity and commercial success that plagues electronic artists. And while we are currently hearing "Moby" this and "DJ Shadow" that, King of Woolworths deserves to receive similar attention. His music is catchy and completely original, especially considering that Ming Star is his debut album. -R-Lo
Lenny Kravitz – Lenny
(Virgin)
1/4
First, may I start off this review by saying that the Lenny Kravitz Greatest Hits CD still graces my CD player to this day. So I had high hopes for Lenny…which were dashed upon first listen. So I kept listening, not wanting to give up on him. I always knew his lyrics left something to be desired, and his songs were derivative. Doesn’t matter – sometimes you inexplicably like an artist and don’t know why. Well, I know what I like, and Lenny sure isn’t it. No big songs, no really good songs even. It sounds like he just went into the studio, tossed off a few tracks “for the fans” and left the building. There’s something missing here – desire? Songwriting talent? Perhaps his hitmaking streak is over, if so, I’ll miss it. -J
Lollipop Lust Kill – My So Called Knife
(Artemis)
In an ill advised effort to jump on the nü metal bandwagon, Artemis signed Lollipop Lust Kill (a name much better suited to an all-girl Japanese band, dontcha think?) Like a lot of standard nü metal bands, LLK has the standard downtuned guitars, the rip off songs from Korn, Disturbed, and Sevendust. Bringing nothing new (and really irritating vocals!), Artemis should have saved their money and bought a better A&R rep. LLK is technically proficient, but lack any originality whatsoever. PS: their cover of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” made me want to track them down and slather them with Drano after only 6 notes. AVOID at all costs. -J
LoveSpirals - Windblown Kiss (Projekt Records)
1/4
LoveSpirals is the reincarnated version of the beloved cult act Love Spirals Downward. Fans of LSD shouldn’t be disappointed in Ryan Lum’s new venture as Windblown Kiss is not a radical departure from the LSD days, but a pleasant change nonetheless. With LoveSpirals, Lum draws from his past but doesn’t replicate it. Instead, the electronic visionary expands his musical scope by incorporating bits of jazz, soul, folk, Flamenco, and even a little Bebop into these dreamy, melodious tunes. The vibe is positive and Anji Bee’s gorgeously versatile vocals add an air of elegance to the overall ambience. All in all, Windblown Kiss is a wondrously uplifting album filled to the brim with passion. -NIN
Manowar -
Warriors Of The World (Metal Blade Records)
In this day and age where metal seems more about how many curses you can put
in a verse or how down you are with your local hip-hop crew, it's
surprisingly refreshing that, after a 6 year absence, Manowar are still
singing about praying to Nordic Gods and fighting some mythical battle that
never really exists. The lovely jingoistic cover where our
muscularly-ripped drawn hero raises the American flag behind Germany,
Brazil, Italy, and others would seem righteous. But I think they don't
quite earn that right as battle cries like "Call To Arms" and "Fight Until
We Die" are balanced by an Elvis Civil War tribute and a Puccini classic now
overplayed by a blind tenor. I guess America does win the international
battle by clichés and, for that, Manowar surely has their finger on the
pulse. -Repojay
Midline (Gotham)
1/4
Midline packs a lot of punch into their self-titled debut, which calls to mind a mixture of Creed and early Soundgarden. At times Anthony Fagiano’s deep, emotive vocals bear a strong similarity to Scott Stapp (Creed) and other times Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) comes to mind. This Boise based four piece have put together a polished and thought-provoking collection of tunes that will appeal to rock lovers of all ages. This ambitious disc contains a mixture of acoustic tracks and heavy hitters. Surprisingly, Midline is just as effective in their mellow moments as they are when they are rockin’ their hardest. The album’s shifting dynamics and solid musicianship shows that the quartet can hold their own. Midline’s combination of arena rock posturing and basement band aesthetics make this disc (and their live show) so enjoyable. These boys display a hunger and passion for their art that is truly commendable. -NIN
Mull Historical Society - Loss
( XL/Blanco/Negro Records)
1/2
I didn’t know I was supposed to hate this album until after I started to love it. Had I read some of the other reviews floating out there, I would have been convinced that Colin MacIntyre was an awful whiny man with a weak voice and no place in today's music world. But, I was doing something important that week, so I forgot to be influenced by haters. They suck anyway, and they're horribly, horribly wrong. MacIntyre---who is for all intents and purposes synonymous with the Mull Historical Society-- is knocking on genius' door. I'm not saying he's unfamiliar with the whine; he's not above singing out stuff like "Only I/Know how hard I try/ To get nowhere" or repeating "Hold on to loneliness" like a personal mantra. And no, I wouldn't give you a fig for his chances on American Idol as a vocalist--he sounds like a guy who learned to sing by listening to records. His reference points are many and cool. Phil Spector is an important one. Bells and drums punctuate several of these perfect songs, including "Watching Xanadu" - an early high point. Not just for this album, but for the music in general. (I'm also hearing a great love for the sainted and dearly departed Boo Radleys.) And here's the best part: just when I was thinking, "Gee, this kinda sounds like Tears for Fears," the next song explicitly nicks the na-na-na-na-na-na/na-na-na-na-na-na hook from "Head Over Heels." Anyone brave enough to love Tears for Fears is o-damn-kay in my book. Shit, this record is good. I could tell you all about how MacIntyre's lyrics aren't really as sad-sack as the lazy ass music press would have you believe. I could rave on and on about the multi-part concertos that are "Public Service Announcer" and "Barcode Bypass," and about how even though they sound like Radiohead titles the songs themselves really don't sound anything like Radiohead - except in a good non-stealing sort of way... but critics have talked way too much about MHS already. I think I'll just reiterate that you need Loss in your life. -R-Lo
Murderdolls - Beyond The Valley of the
Murderdolls (RoadRunner)
What do you get when you mix 80’s glam metal with industrial and hardcore punk? Poison’s evil twin on crack - a.k.a. the Murderdolls. Take Andrew W.K.’s “Party Hard” and intensify it by 1000 and you’ll have the magnitude of the Murderdolls’ Beyond The Valley of the Murderdolls. Featuring Slipknot’s Joey Jordison & Tripp Eisen of Static-X, the band’s psycho-shock-cock party rockin’ tunes are altogether anthemic, energetic, trashy and nightmarish. The Murderdolls’ nü-glam sound and B-movie aesthetic unfolds on in such high-energy tracks as “Love at First Fright,” “She Was a Teenage Zombie,” and “B Movie Scream Queen”. There’s nothing soft and fuzzy about these grandiose tunes, which are chock full of big, bad riffs and shout out loud choruses. To put it lightly, Beyond The Valley of the Murderdolls is a solid slab of wicked fun. If you want to scare the piss out of your parents, this album will do it. -NIN
Peter Murphy - Dust (Metropolis)
Peter Murphy’s latest communiqué, Dust, is a vibrant work of art and, by far, his most thoughtful album to date. This stylishly optimistic offering is the result of a magical union between Murphy and world instrumentalist Mercan Dede. It’s a stunning collaboration that marries remarkably lush soundscapes with exotic instrumentation and winsomely poetic lyrics. The most stunning aspect of Dust is the album’s compelling lyrics that convey a myriad of emotions, most of which are powerfully moving and beautifully uplifting. On “Things To Rember, ” the charismatic vocalist challenges the listener to defy logic and admit that your lover can be the sky. The Eastern melodies in “Fake Sparkle or Golden Dust?” paint vivid pictures of a tropical oasis nestled in the heart of a sandy desert. A different kind of warmth is emitted in “Girlchild Aglow,” an intimate tune that expresses Murphy’s deep adoration for his daughter. Overall, Dust is a sonic marvel. This profound disc features a number of spiritually moving songs that translate into lullabies for the soul. -NIN
Near Miss - The Gentle Art of Making
Enemies (Fearless)
1/2
Near Miss features former Big Wig members Max Béchard & Jeremy Hernandez. Big Wig fans will surely embrace this new project as it is not a radical departure by any means. The Gentle Art of Making Enemies delivers barbed wire laced tunes that mix an intense determination with a carefree attitude. The tracks on this disc will either flatten you with a sonic barrage of vengeful riffs or light-heartedly take you for a ride on a wave of playful melodies. Play this album on one of those days when you’re not sure if you want to break someone’s face or give them a big bear hug. Or, just play it when you feel like fuckin’ with your therapist. -NIN
Nerf Herder – American Cheese
(Honest Don’s)
¾
Nerf Herder is back to their geek-core, punk-pop selves on American Cheese. Not as clever or outright catchy as My E.P. or really, any of their previous CD’s, songs like “Mr. Spock” and “Jenna Bush Army” will still stick in your craw for at least 5 minutes after consumption. Just like real American cheese! -J
Nickelback - Curb (RoadRunner)
With the overwhelming success of Nickelback’s Silverside Up, Roadrunner records has re-released the group’s debut offering, Curb (re-mastered, of course). Bad news for all you folks who were making a killing selling your copies of this once rare release on Ebay. Good news for all of us who aren’t too fond of Silverside Up’s Creed factor. Curb is a meaty album with lots of substance and crunch. These hefty tracks reflect the band’s early grunge influence, which is especially evident in “Where;” a tune that pays tribute to the late, great Alice In Chains. “Fly” also resonates with a thick Seattle buzz. Middle Eastern accents seem a little out of place on this disc, but add a nice touch to the album’s title track none-the-less. If you’re still not convinced then check out “Little Friend” and “Detangler”. Both of these adrenaline-fueled rockers prove Nickelback weren’t always wussies. -NIN
NOFX – 45 or 46 Songs That Weren’t Good
Enough to Go on Our Other Records
(Fat Wreck Chords)
½
2 CD’s for the price of one. NOFX. These songs may not have worked on other records, but worked well on comps, and definitely well on this. Does anything more need to be said? Yes – one new kick-ass song “Pimps and Hookers”. And 45 or 46 others that don’t suck… -J
Noise Therapy - Tension
(Redline Entertainment)
1/4
On Tension, Noise Therapy livens up their rap-metal sound by adding a huge chunk of melody to the mix. This soul-searching disc mixes Soil’s raw heaviness with Linkin Park’s structures and technical undertones. The album begins with vocalist Dave Ottoson shouting, “Get up and change the things you can’t” in the motivational “Get Up”. Hopefully this track will prompt some couch potatoes to get off their ass and stand up for issues they believe in. “Inside” pays homage to early Life of Agony. The beginning of “G-Hole” calls to mind Prong in the Rude Awakening days, but the song quickly loses its heavy edge and switches to the melodic nü-metal style that is currently the latest rage. A majority of the tracks on Tension seem to follow the same format of mixing heavy riffs with emotive vocals and strong choruses. Hardcore enthusiasts will dig the thudding guitars of “Ride” and the rhythmically adrenalized “Monkeys”. However, “Far Away” is the track that steals the show. With it’s infectious staccato riffs this song will place a deadly grip on your groove sensors. All in all, Tension is a dynamic and explosive album worthy of your time. -NIN
No Use For a Name – Hard Rock Bottom
(Fat Wreck Chords)
1/4
When I first put on Hard Rock Bottom, I thought to myself “Wow. This is clean. And good. And girls will totally dig it.” So I went back to my collection, and put on a previous NUFAN CD: More Betterness (undeniably, a better CD) and discovered the difference between the two. Hard Rock Bottom is clean and unrelentless, and without the charm that More Betterness had. However, I think Hard Rock Bottom is still a good CD, and a small step forward to NUFAN. They can get a song on mainstream radio now, and are probably a better band for learning that lesson. Some idiots are arguing that NUFAN sold out on this CD – I disagree, the differences are really quite negligible. Not emo, but not hardcore, No Use For a Name inhabits that middle pop-punk zone where the competition is fierce. -J
Off By One
(LMC Records)
Any band that can take a girly sing-song ballad and turn it into a viable
punk track deserves credit in my book. Of course I’m talking about Off By
One’s shot at punkizing Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn.” This album is a summer
high school/college themed album about good times. The band’s blend of rock
and punk permeates the ears. Off By One doesn’t pigeonhole their style by
becoming copycats. Stand out tracks “On My Way,” “Been Alone,” and “Punk
Rock Girl,” absolutely rock. Off By One’s quick one-two pop punk power
punch seems to get the point across quite nicely. Hell, I like them!
-Skye
Orbital – Work 1989 – 2002
(ffrr)
1/2
This overview of Orbital’s singles is a wonderful CD for the uninitiated. Many of the tracks are the released single, as opposed to the 12”, but Work does have many songs that I don’t own already (along with many I do in a better format). Overall, if you don’t own all of Orbital’s CD’s already, this is a package that is great for your car, your work or parties, without having to take the time to burn your own. –J
Ozma - The
Double Donkey Disc (Kung Fu Records)
Ozma or Weezer Jr.? They sound so much like Weezer that it is
uncomfortable. Their first track makes it sound like they’re going off to
war on some grand venture lead on by some kind of flute player. This album
is actually two EP’s mushed into one. “No One Needs To Know” is a sweet
track with radio air- play potential, minus the freaky little drummer break
in mid song. Then there’s “Korobeiniki” the traditional Russian folk
song…you’ve all heard it and I can’t explain it but I know Nintendo ripped
it off in Tetris for Game Boy. Saturated with keyboards this album can be
extraordinarily boring at times. Long intros into songs made me skip them.
Oh well, that’s what happens when you bore someone to death. I’m just
thinking like a regular listener. There’s no real substance or anything
that will even remotely hold my attention on The Double Donkey Disc.
Maybe if I was a Polish polka dancer this would be my cup of tea…but I’m not
and it’s not, so therefore I’m over it. -Skye
Papa Roach – Lovehatetragedy (Dreamworks)
3/4
After listening to the first couple of tracks on Papa Roach’s sophomore release it becomes apparent that this is not the same Papa Roach that tore up the charts in 2000. On their latest, Lovehatetragedy, Papa Roach sheds their nü-metal skins and returns to their metal and punk infected skeletons. Hip-hop inspired beats are still employed, but this time around they are surrounded by a wall of melodic vocals. With a platinum plus album already under their belt, P-Roach are taking this opportunity to be adventurous and do so by experimenting with garage punk, power-pop, and old skool metal with reckless abandon. In case you missed the news wire, vocalist Coby Dick now goes by his given name, Jacoby Shaddox—further proof that the band is distancing themselves from the nü-metal crunch that made them superstars. Lovehatetragedy is a stylistic divergence from its predecessor. “She Loves Me Not”, the album’s first single, is the only track that reflects the band’s former self. However, if the boys are looking for a big hit, the over-polished “Time and Time Again” has more potential. “Decompression Period” is a melancholy ballad that seems a little out of place in P-Roach’s angst filled world. But now that Dick, I mean Shaddox, is a family man it may be appropriate. If you’re a diehard P-Roach fan you’ll want to be sure to purchase the limited edition version of this disc, which contains a crushing rendition of the Pixies “Gouge Away,” the howling “Never Said It,” and enhanced video footage. It’s unfortunate that these two bonus tracks are only on a limited number of releases because their raw energy makes them shine the brightest. -NIN
The Pasties – Platonica
(Soapstar Records/Ariel Publicity)
½
Like all good pop-alt bands, The Pasties self-released CD starts off with a jangly upbeat poppy song. Reminiscent of Goo Goo Dolls and Redd Kross, The Pasties bring great songwriting sensibilities to a genre that usually does. There’s not a whole lot here to set them apart, but The Pasties should be called The Pastries – they are mmm mmm good. –J
Portable - Only If You Look Up (TVT Records)
Portable’s sophomore effort Only If You Look Up screams, bangs, and wah-wah’s it’s way into your eardrums. Hard-rock hooks and glam-rock inflections flavor “Better Get The Daisies Out.” “Roll Over and Play Dead’s” chorus, which doesn’t employ the words Roll Over or Play Dead, with the lyric, “Go through the motions so you can say, you did it,” is and example of the band attempting to write meaningful lyrics and falling short. On Only If You Look Up, Portable is clearly trying to look too high especially in their lyrics. Weak songs diminish talented musicians all-around. On “Suffocate” lead singer Chance (one-named lead singers either hit or miss-Sting a hit-Cher-you be the judge) sings, “You might want to tell me what’s up cause something’s got to give. I’d let go but I might fall and that I can’t forgive.” In “Never Small,” Chance proclaims, “I was afraid of the poetry but I looked up and watched the rocket ship explode in front of me.” He need not be afraid of poetry too long, as there is none on this record. -Brendan McMahon
Quarashi - Jinx (Time Bomb / Columbia)
1/4
Quarashi hails from a small Icelandic city called Reykjavik [Home of some other great bands, many of which you've heard of and like. Look it up - you think I'm gonna tell you everything about Icelandic music? - ed]. Sounding like a cross between Prodigy, Public Enemy, and Rage Against The Machine, Quarashi interfuses elements of rap, punk, hard rock, and splashes of electronica to create their electrifying sound. The quartet is comprised of three MCs and one DJ, and the beats, which range from straight-up hip-hop to murky industrial, alternate between live percussion and programmed drums. These infectious tunes derive their character from catchy rhymes, clever samples, phat beats, and metallic guitars. On Jinx, Quarashi dishes up a refreshing mix of varied styles and tempos, ranging from the stinging grooves of “Baseline,” to the psychedelic pop of “Transparent Parents,” to the down-tempo electronics of “Dive In,” to the Reggea infused “Weirdo”. Aside from being just plain groovy, Jinx also has an undeniable mainstream appeal. -NIN