Bite Me! CD Reviews S - Z

Sinisstar -Future Shock (Geffen)

This industrial metal outfit was actually the first band signed to Fred Durst’s Flawless label, so why were they the last to put anything out?  The fact that Future Shock bears the Geffen seal as opposed to the Flawless moniker may have something to do with it.  If you’re looking for Puddle of Mudd’s sappy radio rock stylings you won’t find it here.  Looking like a Dope/Orgy mutation this dark and sinister outfit sounds like a cross between Professional Murder Music and The Newlydeads.  On Future Shock, the L.A. based quintet delivers dark and twisted industrialized metal and slathers it with a glossy glam coating.  The album’s thunderous tracks are propelled by bone crushing riffs, head bashing grooves, blasting beats, and aggressive vocals, but despite all this muscle the tracks seem a bit wimpy.  What’s lacking is the pure angst and fury unleashed in Sinisstar’s live show.  Highlights: “Psychosexy,” “Freak of Nature,” “Haunted,” and “White Noise“.    -NIN

Smoke - Smoke Follows Beauty (Kozmik)

This three-piece unit known simply as Smoke conjure up THC fueled tunes that are influenced by the likes of Monster Magnet and Kyuss.  There’s lots of mid-paced metal and doom inspired jams on this conceptual offering, which takes you on a long, tripped out journey through the unconscious mind of a dying man.  To put it lightly, you’ll need to be good & loaded to enjoy the tripped out ride of Smoke Follows Beauty.    -NIN

Soulfly – 3 (RoadRunner)

Soulfly mastermind Max Cavalera released 3 with expectations that the album would be hailed as the group’s piece de resistance and it very well may be.  3 is more streamlined than past efforts yet more experimental.  Max is forever creating music that challenges the listener as well as the artists who play it, and he does just that in these powerful tunes that deal with spiritual redemption and Third World strife.  The return of Roy Mayorga to the fold really makes an impact.  Roy is a phenomenal drummer and for a band whose sound is characterized by distinct percussive offerings that’s a big plus.  The musicianship on this album is impeccable.  It’s hard to believe that four people can craft such ornate and intricate tunes in which sheer brutality is offset by fragile beauty.  This delicate balance is exhibited in “Tree of Pain”.   An epic piece that mixes exquisite female vocals (courtesy of Asha Rabouin) with a haunting acoustic intro and Cavalera’s tortured screams.  The sweeping chimes of “Four Elements” and lush tones of “Soulfly III” are offset by the lethal speed-metal riffs of “Downstroy” and the thrash knuckling angst of “Seek ‘n’ Strike”.  An imperative message is implanted deep in the heart of 3,beginning with a cover of Sacred Reich’s “One Nation”.  This raging track is followed up by “9-11-01 (One Minute of Silence)”, which is probably the most powerful piece on the album as it is a solemn reminder of the innocent lives lost and the event that changed life in America as we know it.  The seething war anthem “Call to Arms” drives Cavalera’s point home.  Christian Machado’s (Ill Niño) melodic vocals add the perfect ambience to “One Nation,” and the cover of Chico Science’s “Sangue De Bairro” would make its creators proud.  Not to be overlooked are the head ripping riffs of “Refuse and Resist” & “Slave New World”.  These two tracks will make Sepultura fans very happy.  With its flavorful breaks and tribal overtures, 3 is, without a doubt, Soulfly’s most artistically satisfying album to date.   -NIN

The Sound of Urchin – You Are the Best (RCA)

“This is so gonna suck”, I’m thinking as I read the various pseudonyms the band members of The Sound of Urchin go by.  Then, the quote from Ween: “…greatest band in rock today.”  So what’s up?  A guy from Ween produced this, so he has to like it, I guess.  I still haven’t decided if the cheese-factor in the songs and lyrics is a joke that I just don’t get.  Total fucking cheese – guess RCA is in a whole lot more trouble than I thought.  Simply put, You Are the Best is a much weaker version of Andrew WK meets early Beasties meets (shock!) Ween.  -J

Subliminal Sessions Two: Mixed by Harry “Choo Choo” Romero (Subliminal Records) 3/4

Mr. “Choo Choo” Romero is currently enjoying success a highly sought after producer/remixer in the realm of house music.  If you want to know what makes this man such a hot commodity I suggest you pick up Subliminal Sessions Two.  This two-disc set, mixed by Harry “Choo Choo” Romero, is so seamless that each CD registers as one complete track.  Forget about fast forwarding to your favorite tune.  It’s impossible.  I’ve tried.  This sweeping collection moves continuously from one style of house to the next.  Disc One is about 74 minutes in length, and disc two clocks in at a little over 73 minutes.  Your best bet is to put both these puppies in your multi-disc player, hit random and have fun.  Subliminal Sessions Two finds the innovative DJ spinning a dark, funky amalgamation of banging house flavored with splashes of tech, tribal, Latin, Euro-progressive, and drum & bass.  Layered beats and rhythms keep things interesting and offer lots of surprises around every corner.  With it’s explosive anthems and energetic raw beats this shimmering collection is primed for maximum dance-floor destruction.  -NIN

subthunk – Just a Few Notes Before You Go  (Ureneccley Recordings)

Comprised of three technical experimentalist, subthunk showcases their wares in a spectrum of styles on Just a Few Notes Before You Go.   Their inventive tunes, which are construed on an Apple iBook, feature intriguing sounds that fuse together elements of jazz, funk, rock, and eccentric techno tweaks.  For the most part, the tracks that make up this progressive outing are primarily instrumental.  When vocals are used they are used sparingly as to not take away from the overall ambience of the featured work.  subthunk’s electronic meets organic aesthetic is especially evident in “Wobble Man,” “Fuzz,” “Wax,” and “Toast”.  Overall, Just a Few Notes Before You Go is a creative offering that radiates with artistic charm and homespun inventiveness.  -NIN 

SuperBees – High Volume (Acetate Records) 1/2

The SuperBees have been hashing it out at the Hollywood Clubs for a couple of years now.  The group’s supercharged hard rockin’ sound is a high-octane brand of Detroit style garage punk that exudes the bad boy sex appeal associated with Hollywood gutter-sleaze.  High Volume comes complete with gritty punched-up anthems and lyrics you can shout along to.  The SuperBees wear their Stooges and MC5 influences proudly on their sleeves in such down n’dirty ditties as the album’s title track and “Girl From K.C.”  “Dirty” offers up a sneering display of cock rockin’ riffs.  The handclaps of “Got This Feeling” make this track irresistible.  “Crawler” summons up The Doors’ sultry soul, and the opening riffs of “Do You Understand” will make you a SuperBees junky.   Each song has some element of catchiness to it – be it the chorus, the riff, or the beat.  Whichever it may be, this adrenaline fueled self-titled release will make you want to raise your fist, scream, and jump to the sky with air guitar in hand.  The SuperBees have talent!  -NIN 

Supersuckers and Electric Frankenstein – Splitsville (The Music Carter/Fly PR)

So maybe I’m softening up on my “I hate Supersuckers” stance.  They’re better on this CD split than I’ve heard them before.  Probably because this is straight-up RnR without the Western Kountry BS they propagandize quite often.  Unfortunately, the Electric Frankenstein half did nothing for my thoughts on them.  Score: ** ¾ for Supersuckers and * ½ for Electric Frankenstein.  -J

Thought Riot - Shattered Mirror Syndrome (A-F Records)

Dangerously sounding like AFI with a dash of Bouncing Souls and a bit of originality, Thought Riot might have something going for them.  Their music would most definitely provoke crowd participation as their choruses, such as in “Breaking Old Tablets,” just scream for everyone to join in. How great is the title “Pillow Over Face as Therapy?” Just amazing.  So what do you get with this?  Punk rock and lots of screaming.  But, overall, impressive music with some staying power.  Plus they have a female guitar player/back up vocalist.  Applause.  -Skye

TRUSTcompany - The Lonely Position of Neutral (Geffen) 1/4

Take Linkin Park, strip away the DJ & Mike Shanoda and you’ll have a rough idea as to what TRUSTcompany sounds like.  TRUSTcompany may be a day late and a dollar short, but there’s still a market for their material [As evidenced by their Billboard standing.  This review was written before TRUSTco. blew up.  -ed].  On their eponymous debut these Alabama boys deliver a tenacious blast of metal-heavy rock laden with big hooks, soaring harmonies, crunchy riffs and stomping rhythms.  The band’s candy-coated choruses and pretty melodies makes them sound more like nü-metal boy band as opposed to a bad boy nü-metal band.  The musicianship makes this album bearable and the memorable hooks, like those employed in “Hover” & “Downfall” will lodge in your brain like a bullet.  Each offering on The Lonely Position of Neutral is injected with a fiery passion.  Call it emotional metal or metallic emo, either way there’s enough sensitivity in this album to make it appealing to the emo crowd and just the right amount of crunch to satisfy those who think Adema is kewl.   -NIN

UHF - If It Was Easy (Second Story Records)

Portland Oregon’s UHF deliver smart, college pop rock that wafts through the speakers like a Friday afternoon October breeze on a Northwest campus.  Catchy melodies punctuated by effortless playing allow the dreamy choruses to wash over you like a warm northern mist.  “Mr. Grey” is a colorful dancing song that jumps off their third record, If It Was Easy.  The catchy lyric “I want to be like you, so fucking cool,” screams underground.  Rock stars don’t plead to be cool, they fake it.  UHF composed of identical twin Chicagoans joined with Portland’s Matt Johnson on Drums and Jeff Nelson, have developed a very cool, interestingly quirky alternative pop sound that reminds one of late 80’s REM or The Feelies.  “She’s Going Up” sounds like either the smartest pop song of today or the coolest 60’s TV sitcom theme song never heard.  “Easy” is another good tune that reflects a hint of sixties British mod influence.”  It is clear why UHF has previously spent numerous weeks on the college charts.  Be sure to pack a copy of If It Was Easy in your bags with your sweaters when you head back to campus this fall.  Read more at www.uhfweb.com.  -Brendan McMahon

The Vandals – Internet Dating Super-Studs (Kung Fu)

“Appreciate my honesty,” Quakenbush pleads on the album’s second track.  How could you not?   The Vandals have always been honest in their quest to create music that is quirky, fun, and just plain amusing.  With its South Park inspired cover, quirky humor, and bouncy hooks the head-bopping sing-along anthems that make up Internet Dating Superstuds deliver hours of aural pleasure.  This fast-paced punk rock delight will have you humming along to such fun lovin’ tunes like, “Disproportioned Head,” Little Weirdo,” “Soccer Mom,” and “Lord of The Dance”.  Internet Dating Superstuds is bound to please existing fans and recruit legions of new ones.  For a really good time log on to www.internetdatingsuperstuds.com and check out who won dates with the band and maybe hook up with your own super stud. (P.S. I am not Joe’s #10, even though he is a cutie.)  The official release, mine is an advance, also contains footage of the bandmember’s dates with winning fans.  There are so many reasons why you need to pick up a copy of The Vandals’ Internet Dating Superstuds. -NIN

Various - Calling All Maniacs (Geffen)

If you need a double shot of heavy to get your day off to a good start then Calling All Maniacs will deliver the swift kick in the ass needed to get your blood pumpin’.  This sampler contains some of the heaviest tracks released in 2001 & 2002.  Otep distributes a serious blow with the hardcore rap stylings of  “O.T.R.I.C.,” while Sinisstar pummels you with the dangerous grooves of “White Noise”.  Cinder’s “Soul Creatin” delivers a swift right hook to the face, and Soil packs in lots of crunch and fury with “Halo”.  Static-X take pleasure in blowing out your eardrums with “Black and White,” and “Rot” (Dry Kill Logic) is just plain deadly.  If you’re looking for a good ass kickin’ this disc will leave you in a bloody pulp.    -NIN

Various - ESPN’s Ultimate X - The Movie (Hollywood Records) 1/4

With its catchy lyrics of, “If I die before I wake.  At least in Heaven I can skate.” OPM’s “Heaven Is A Halfpipe” is destined to become every skater’s holy prayer.  This song fits in perfectly on this extreme sports soundtrack.  Every competitive athlete needs a boost of energy, attitude, and aggression to get the testosterone flowin’ in order to leave the competition in the dust and this album delivers it.  With contributions by 3rd Strike, Fatboy Slim, Grand Theft Auto, Handsome Devil, Suicide Machines, and Pennywise.  Ultimate X has enough sonic power to keep the adrenalin going for hours.  -NIN

Various - Heat Slick Records Compilation (Heat Slick Records) 1/2

I’m a little confused here [As well you should be.  -ed].  Heat Slick Records is a new label based in San Francisco, yet a majority of the bands on this compilation are signed to other labels.  Did Heat Slick recently pick up these groups or is this disc supposed to give people an idea of what to expect from future label releases?  [On their website, under "Artists" it says that they are seeking new artists, and have none listed.  -ed]  Also, a majority of the acts on here were around during the height of the ‘80’s Sunset Strip days (Pretty Boy Floyd, Junkyard, & Faster Pussycat) or feature members who were (The Newlydeads & Motochrist).  So now I wonder if Heat Slick is following Sanctuary’s business plan?  [Don't think so...looks like a wanna be who knows some folks to me.  Also, the website claims to have "sold out" of this release.  Uh-huh.  Just call me skeptic. -ed]  This comp crams together punk, glam, and gutter sleaze into one chaotic mix.  The cock-rockin’ sleaze of The Newlydeads’ “Lipstick” gets the party started, but the fun dies quickly when the mic is passed over to Pretty Boy Floyd.  I’m sorry, but these guys need to retire or update their sound.   “Blood“ by Faster Pussycat sounded more like The Newlydeads than its former incarnation, which is a-ok with me.  (In case you missed it, Taime Downe’s current project is The Newlydeads, but he also recently resurrected Faster Pussycat.)  All in all, this disc is a 50/50 hit or miss (depending on how much you like ‘80’s hair metal or garage punk).  There are a few pleasant surprises on here like Plan Nine, The Hangmen, Kilingbird, and The Narcotics.  -NIN

Various Artists - Nearvana - San Francisco (Tinnitus Records)

Narrowing the scope of this cover album to only San Franciso bands covering Nirvana seems to be a bad idea – a really bad idea.  But it's not.  Mainly because the bands don't resort to sounding like Nirvana.  The majority of the artists go into everything from folk to hard punk to just a goofy enjoyable romp.  When you start out with a female singer/songwriter lightly singing "Rape Me", you know this is not going to be your normal tribute.  I won't start naming band names because you'll have no idea who any of 'em are anyway.  These 21 bands do cover the entire gamut of the Nirvana catalog and come up with some fresh ideas.  Does it always work?  Of course not.  Tribute records seldom do.  But the artist experiment, which is a fresh idea in these albums of late and that makes all the difference.   -Repojay

Various Artists - Tribute to Mayhem (Dwell Records)

Gadzooks!  Why the fuck would anyone in their right state of mind want to make a tribute CD for such a lame band as Mayhem is beyond me.   The irony of this tribute is most of the little known metal bands on it are pretty good.  That’s the only reason it got any brownie points at all.  Some of the better contributors are Immortal, Vader, Emperor, Behemoth and Seth. -Colin Bowel

Vex Red – Start With A Strong And Persistent Desire  (I Am / Virgin) 1/4

Growing tired with the same ole, same ole, producer Ross Robinson [Growing tired of Ross!  -ed] sent a plea out to the U.K. for something exciting and fresh.  His prayers were answered in the form of Vex Red—a band from Aldershot England that sounds like a cross between Stabbing Westward and Nirvana.  The group’s debut, Start With A Strong And Persistent Desire, doesn’t contain a mega hit that will break them.  However, Vex Red appears to be close to striking gold, as the album contains plenty of memorable tunes.  The first time I listened to this disc I was convinced that ex-Stabbing Westward vocalist Chris Hall had a new gig.  When I read Vex Red’s bio I was surprised to find that it wasn’t Hall fronting the group but a guy named Terri Abbot.  Abbot and Hall share a common style and their lyrics deal with similar issues, such as alienation, abandonment, failed relationships.  Abbot also emits the same tortured emotion-tinged vocals once employed by Hall.  Fueled by a fevered hunger, this angst-ridden disc, which mixes arena grunge with electronic embellishments is soaked with true passion.  A number of the album’s tracks employ highly technical techniques, such as those displayed in “Cause and Solution”.  Others, such as “Dermo,” start off quietly than explode into a flurry of razor sharp riffs.  But it’s the emotionally gut wrenching “Can’t Smile” that validates Ross’ belief in Vex Red.     -NIN

The Visible Men – In Socks Mode (Leisure King Prod./In Music We Trust) 1/2

Not quite emo, not quite jazz, not quite Badly Drawn Boy (but you’re getting closer…) The Visible Men try to evoke the sounds of a smoke filled bar at 1:45am.  Depressing at times, kick-back at others, In Socks Mode is just that.  Play it at home, kick off the shoes after a tough day at the office and you’ll relax.  Much like the aforementioned Badly Drawn Boy, Dustin Lanker’s vocals are obviously not schooled much, and it’s almost sweet to hear them faltering.  Almost – after about 4 songs, I found it annoyingly self-indulgent.  -J

VNV Nation – Futureperfect (Metropolis Records) ¾

After intently listening to Futureperfect, I found some of the late 80’s/early 90’s sounding industrial to be pretty good (“Holding On”), while other pieces I wonder what the heck VNV was thinking (“Structure”).  There are a couple of good dance tracks for your local goth meeting place (“Fearless”), but overall I found Futureperfect to be a pale throwback to the really good stuff – like KMFDM, Peter Murphy, Skinny Puppy, and Front 242.  A fairly pretentious CD, I think I’d pass on Futureperfect unless it was in a discount bin.  -J

Zeromancer - Eurotrash (Cleopatra) 1/2

“We are nothing but Eurotrash,” vocalist Alex Moklebust confesses on the album’s title track.  Oh yes they are and it’s absolutely buggy baby!  Comprised of former members from Seigmen, Kidney Thieves, and Prick, Zeromancer’s Eurotrash is a delicious blend of Euro-pop and Industrial-trash.  This futuristic disc makes an immediate impression with the campy “Doctor Online” and it’s catchy chorus of “1-800-Suicide”.  “Chromebitch” is a lethal tune that calls to mind early Marilyn Manson.   “Need You Like A Drug” brings back happy memories of Prick, and  “Raising Hell“ is just fucking brilliant.  The band also throws in a great cover of Real Lives’ “Send Me An Angel”.  After listening to Eurotrash, I think it’s safe to say that Zeromancer have succeeded where Orgy failed.  This album has got the grooves to keep your booty shakin’ long after the music has stopped.  -NIN