Bite Me! CD Reviews A - F

311 – Evolver (Jive Records)

Omaha’s Nick Hexum, SA. Martinez, Tim Mahoney, P-Nut, and Chad Sexton, all of 311 are back with the hip-hop/reggae/modern-rock funky Evolver, their follow-up to the multi-multi platinum ‘From Chaos’.  Recorded over nine months in their own studio with friend and triple threat (producer/engineer/mixer) Ron Saint Germain of Bad Brains, Tool, and Creed fame, 311 bounces back with collaborations such as “Reconsider Everything”, the radio hit, “Creatures (For a While)” and the reflective “Beyond The Gray Sky,” which was written as a therapeutic release after a friend of the band took his own life during the From Chaos tour.  All in all, 311 takes their branded poppy, crunchy rock-funk closer to radio readiness with numerous fan friendly songs on Evolver.  -Brendan McMahon

Alien Ant Farm – truANT (Dreamworks)

Whether it was intentional or not, truANT comes across as somewhat of cautious album.  There’s no real sense of adventure here, despite the fact that producers Dean and Robert DeLeo (STP) sprinkled cayenne pepper on Mitchell’s balls in order to get him to sing to his full potential.  I don’t hear a difference, but if you’re dumb enough to try it at home I’d be interested in hearing the results.  Lack of adventure aside, Alien Ant Farm spices things up as truANT mixes in a little bit of acoustic and Latin flavorings, which serve to add a new kind of groove to the band’s overall sound.  “These Days” is a fairly catchy single, but I doubt it will do as well as the group’s cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”.  However the song does make you realize that things aren’t always as bad as they seem.  “1000 Days” reflects a state of homesickness, while “Never Meant” suggests that men actually feel a tinge of regret when they fuck up in a relationship.  But, as we all know, the regret never lasts long as “Rubber Mallet” brags about jumping from one relationship to another.  “Sarah Wynn” is a touching plea to stop using drugs.  Even though the song is about a fictional character its urgent message is delivered effectively.   Mitchell was in the process of writing “Hope” when the fatal bus accident that sidelined the band in 2001 happened.  It’s ironic, to say the least, as Alien Ant Farm was very lucky to survive their near death experience.  Mitchell was the luckiest overall.  The result of this ordeal is reflected in the music as well as Mitchell’s lyrics and, thus, the inspiration, whether intentional or not, for truANT. (Note to fans: The album also comes with a DVD bonus disc.)  -NIN

Beck - Sea Change (Interscope) 1/2

The latest CD from Beck Sea Change, really marks a departure for the quirky singer-songwriter.  Rather than quirkily adaptable pop songs, Beck decides to go the Pete Yorn and Coldplay route with moody acoustic songs, much like the Pet Shop Boys did on their latest CD.  While not necessarily everyone's cup of tea, Beck proves well that he can hang out with the coffee bar crowd as readily as with the surfers.  -J

Bedford - Spaceships, Sex and Jealousy: The Singles 1995 - 2000 (Microcosm Publishing) 1/2

Although I had heard of and reviewed Bedford before, I never heard the majority of their work.  The Singles 1995 - 2000 fills that void.  If you are interested in garage-pop-punk done on what sounds like an 8 track in one take, here ya go.  In all honesty, the recording values really deter from the songwriting skills apparent here - Bedford sounds like Green Day meets Less Than Jake.  The sound quality does get better as the CD goes along, but my ears were gone by then.  -J

The Bell Rays – Raw Collection (Uppercut/Vital Gesture)

Discharging the rebellious sounds of the soulful garage punk crusaders, Raw Collection is comprised of numerous rare treats.  This blistering disc contains out of print and vinyl only releases, which spans the band’s career from 1995 to 2002.  Raw Collection also features tracks from compilation discs and new material that was previously only available overseas -- all the more reason for fans of the Bell Rays to pick this up.  “Suicide Baby,” “Half a Mind,” and “Tie Me Down” are just a few of the highlights.  -NIN

The Black Eyed Peas – Elephunk (A&M)

Elephunk’s tasty single “Where is the Love” is opening some big doors for the pioneering rap outfit.  The Peas’ inventive approach to their hip-hop influenced style has earned them a loyal fan base over the years.  And now, the band’s reach is about to spread as their third release borrows from every element of funk and mixes these boisterous tidbits with the band’s signature organic vibes and loose rhymes.  Another complimentary factor is the addition of Fergie’s lush and soothing vocals.  Elephunk opens with the club thump of “Hands Up” and from there a number of stylistic changeups keep things interesting, as the Peas bounce from melodically expansive anthems to trippy breezy tunes.  “Hey Mama,” “Shut Up,” and “Latin Girls” are but a few of the party pleasers on this disc.  Elephunk may be more trendy than underground, but for the Black Eyed Peas that’s a good thing.  The band’s big break is just around the corner.  -NIN. 

The Black Watch – Very Mary Beth (Stone Garden Records)

This will be a nasty and brutal review considering these turds have already pissed me off.  The press release for the Black Watch's album Very Mary Beth compared the band to the likes of "indie rock legend The Cure" and My Bloody Valentine and also acclaimed their lyrics as "characteristically stimulating".  I'd like to first make something CRYSTAL clear for all bands: just because you have a little extra reverb to your guitar, It doesn't mean that you sound like My Bloody Valentine.  MBV's Loveless is so great that even the band's leader himself Kevin Shields, has yet to make better--Black Watch could not dreeeeam to compare.  Next, for all those who don't know, The Cure has been signed to a major record label for over 15 years!  (So much for being indie"!)  Most importantly, the lyrics and vocals are by far the worst thing about this album.  Heck, they are the worst thing about this band!  Insipid, stupid lyrics piled upon more insipid and stupid lyrics.  Fredrick's blundering and amateurish voice sounds like the tone-deaf bass player you have fill in on vocals during practice until you find a real singer--not someone you would let front your band.  Fredrick simply cannot sing.  He can't come close to hitting a note without it running away leaving him with a big "fuck you."  The music, unfortunately, could not survive the massacre that is Fredrick's voice.  It's too bad because there is skillful playing going on underneath it all—though not enough to make it worth enduring that awful voice.  I admit, though, a few songs do sound "Cure-ish" even ending with a bright chord/cymbal crash.  And, I'd actually consider not chucking this CD...if it was an instrumental.  My advice to the band: get a real singer and don't compare yourself to My Bloody Valentine.  Then you might have a chance, but, only if you leave your pictures out of the liner notes.  Honestly... I've seen wooly mammoths younger than you. (Ouch! NIN) -R-Lo

Chimaira – The Impossibility of Reason (RoadRunner) 1/2

Deriving their name from the Chimaera, a monster in Ancient Greek Mythology, Chimaira goes straight for the jugular with their latest, lethal offering The Impossibility of Reason—an album that rings true to the bands roots while giving nods to the godfathers of metal.  The Cleveland based six-piece’s unrelenting DIY attitude and drive to succeed has catapulted them into the forefront of the hardcore metal scene.  Utilizing a multi-layered attack of pure aggression that blends bone-shattering grooves with crushing riffs and a murderous lyrical delivery, Chimaira delivers a straight shot of extremely heavy metal in The Impossibility of Reason that pulsates with refined harmonies and brilliant melodies.  Seeping anger through every pore, The Impossibility of Reason is not for the meek.  -NIN

Dakona (Maverick Records)

This Vancouver band has a big rock sound, and in vocalist Ryan they have a strong voiced frontman.  Dakona possesses melodic hooky songs with a well-produced clean sound reminiscent of The Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20.  I'll be honest, it’s not my bag at all but I’ll do my best.  The second track, "Revelation," has a catchy melody and soaring vocals.  This is most definitely a band for girls.  I can see the crowd now, swooning at the front of the stage as the lights dim and the lighters go up for another big power ballad about the singer’s fragility in the world.  There are lots of references to not sleeping and hearts aching.  "I am waiting and it’s so frustrating," sings Ryan -- no doubt with a tight grip on his mic stand and his eyes closed as the spotlight shines down for the guitar solo.  It’s Bon Jovi for the new millennium.  Okay, maybe I'm getting a little carried away now?  Well, I hope you get the idea.  I’m sure that this epic rock sound powered by Maverick will reach its niche market and will undoubtedly hit the right radio stations.  I’m also sure there will be some glossy videos to go along with the proposed singles, whichever they are, as there are plenty to choose from.  The song "Trust" has an arena sized Simple Minds air.  While "Revolving" starts off with a moody bass line before exploding into super rock territory.  "In God's Name" talks about mean streets, sirens, and killings dressed as religious acts.  Okay, so it’s not exactly "Living on a Prayer," but we are living in seriously different times right now.  How do I sum things up then?  Well, if you like the Goo Goo Dolls and singers in fancy leather pants, chances are there will be something here for you.  If however, you are more a hooded top Hot Topic kinda person then maybe you won't.  –Glen

Dashboard Confessional - A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar (Vagrant Records)

Okay, “Screaming Infidelities”, off Confessional’s last album was a huge hit and one of the catchiest songs in the past ten years.  However, listening to A Mark, A Mission, a blah, blah, blah, one can’t stop hearing the ghost of the living Styx.  And that’s not good for emo-core credibility.  It’s tough to get past Chris Carrabba’s nasally, whiny sing-scream. How can a band with one of the best songs in recent memory repeat with rubbish in such a disappointing manner?  Sorry, don’t know what to tell you.  Sad song titles galore fill this strummy, chummy follow-up.  Numbers such as “Rapid Hope Loss,” “Ghost of A Good Thing,” and “If You Can’t Leave It Be, Might As Well Make it Bleed” should give you an idea of the mood here.  -Brendan McMahon

Dear John Letters - Stories of Our Lives (Foodchain Records) ½

This is a band from Seattle whose main guy is Robb Benson who I understand is a background singer on The Trachtenberg Family Slide Show Players album, but let’s not let that put us off (just kidding).  The album starts off with a laid back song called "Below the Belt," which reminds me of a slow Tripping Daisy song or maybe even Flaming Lips.  This is a nice story of an album, it has its fair share of rocking moments, but also moments of beauty including one in the shape of the great "You Always Win," complete with pure Beatles sound and gorgeous harmonies.  The influences on this CD, to my ears at least, are huge and varied, ranging from REM, especially Robb’s voice on "Creation Myth" to Stereophonics (but I’m sure that's merely a vocal coincidence).  Elsewhere we have the pop rock sound of Phantom Planet, the aforementioned Beatles, and, whoa, did I just hear a big Led Zep break?  I sure did, right in the middle of a song that brings to mind the Black Crows called "Sorry to Sorry".  It’s very cool, and if you hear it twice you’ll have it stuck in your head.  I promise you.  The bio that came with the CD paints the album to be a singer/songwriter/acoustic guitar and candles kind of affair and, really, that's less than half the story.  Check out the great boogie-woogie sounds on "my Volcano" for proof.  The balladic moments of the disc sound more introspective and, of course, are gentler.  But, scattered all over the disc are some really cool pop rock moments.  My fave is the great track "Bipolar," which contains a brilliant garage rock riff and emotive singing/screaming.  It reminded me of Jellyfish or Redd Kross.  Every song on this album is different than song before it, which is why I dig it so much.   I love variety.  It is the spice of life y'know.  This one will definitely make its way onto my ipod.  Try it; you might like it.  -Glen

Death on Wednesday – Songs to ___ To? (Sidecho)  

Songs to _____ To? Perhaps the members in Southern California's Death on Wednesday intend to fill in that blank with the word "clean" or "roller skate."  It's open ended and, thus, it’s the audience's call, right?

Songs to Joust To?

They don't really elaborate anywhere in the liner notes on what the intended purpose of their music is, but it seems pretty obvious once the album passes through your speakers:

Songs to Walk Dogs To?

The loathsome nasally vocals come courtesy of Nate (I hate that name) Lawler, often sounding like an oxford wearing, khaki clad Banana Republic ambassador to the Misfits or Social D Catalogs.  He's got that plaintive feeling - begging his listeners to feel for his plight, and it is overwhelming.  We, the listeners, want him to get that break he aches for in "Simple Life" and to see him fall in "Fall Down," maybe only to prevent him from singing about it any more.  Sure, it may sound a bit harsh but, sadly, Lawler's bellyaching is the most effecting element that Death on Wednesday has going for it.  He sounds like that distant friend that everyone knows has some "issues" to work out.  However, you really want him to keep calling you though, so you can be there when he finally gets things straight.  -R-Lo

Depswa – Two Angels and a Dream (Geffen) 1/2

L.A. never seems to have a shortage of musical talent, and Depswa happens to be the latest fledgling plucked from the musical wading pool.  This melodically friendly hard rockin’ outfit has a knack for weaving tapestries of sonic proportions.  The band’s compelling major label debut swaps between explosively dynamic rockers and engaging mood teasers that deliver enthusiasm and emotion with every introspective riff.  Straddling the line between raw emotion and primal rage, Two Angels and a Dream presents new boundaries for alt-metal.  The disc begins with the infectious “This Time,” which is followed by a powerhouse of a tune called “Not Responsible”.  After just two songs it’s very apparent that Depswa are able-bodied songwriters.  The group’s cerebral sound and depth of thought is further reveled in “Voyeur”.  The unforgettable sentiments of “Prom Song” and the intense focus of “Needles” further proves that this album is full of surprises.  As you delve further into this disc it becomes apparent that practically every song possesses the potential of a single, especially the lyrically driven “Let It Go”.  The band’s collective talents shine in “From the Inside,” which drives the nail home.  In the Swahili language Depswa means deep behind the moon, but you need not travel that far in order to enjoy the band’s artistic offerings.  If you like Incubus and Hoobastank, Depswa is right up your alley.  -NIN

Die Trying (Island/Def Jam) 1/4

One of the things I liked most about Die Trying’s live show was their raw energy.  One of the things I liked about the guys themselves was their honesty.  It is precisely these qualities that make Die Trying’s self-titled debut shine.  If you are sick of emo’s sappy whine or nü-metal’s feel-sorry-for-me musings then this high-spirited band is the perfect antidote.  These four young Sacramento boys are hell bent on bringing the fun back to rock ‘n’ roll.  Think ‘80s metal (minus the spandex, Aquanet, and make-up) mixed with spastic bursts of punk-inflected pop perfection.  Proving that rock ‘n’ roll is all about having a good time, Die Trying is the perfect summertime pool party record.  This disc will remind you of how great it is to be young and carefree.  There’s enough hard-hitting energy here to get the pit moving and plenty of digestible choruses to get the girls singing.  Shout it with me everybody – “Arena rock is back!!”  -NIN 

Dog Fashion Disco - Committed To A Bright Future (Spitfire Records) 1/2

When your big claim to fame is flinging shit at a crowd of Insane Clown Posse fans, you have nowhere to go but up. Unfortunately, on their second record, Dog Fashion Disco pretty much stay lateral. Their oddball mix of squonk-rock, humor, rantings, and wanking is largely unnecessary and fairly unlistenable. In my head, the music is System of a Down meeting Ween in a parking lot and both sides get the crap kicked out of them leaving them both so bloodied that they could barely perform again. Yeah, that's what this sounds like.  -Repojay

Dope – Group Therapy (Recon / Artemis Records) 3/4

I’m sure a lot of people thought Dope’s departure from Epic would be the band’s demise, but it wasn’t.  Not one to go down without a good fight, Edsel has resurfaced with a new label, a new album, and a slightly new line-up -- thus proving that it is all about the rock and not the gimmicks.  There’s plenty of angst to be found in Group Therapy as the album features 13 feverish tracks (and music videos) that deliver a straight up shot of rock ‘n’ roll without a chaser.  The band’s initial industrial sheen has all but vanished.  In its place are solid melodies, strong choruses, and massive hooks.  This sonic overhaul is fully unveiled in “Motivation,” which is all that and more.  Old skool Dope fans will embrace the nasty grooves of “Burn Paranoia,” the menacing riffs of “Now is the Time,” and the meaty hooks of “So Low”.  There are plenty of ‘raise your fists in the air’ moments to be found, especially with “Bitch” and “I am”.  The NY City rockers may have refined their sound, but they intensity has not wavered.  Group Therapy is rawer and more melodic than past releases; however, there is still a fine amount of menace and velocity to be found.  This album confirms that Dope has staying power.  -NIN

Echo 7 - One Step Away (In De Goot Recordings)

The four rockin’ dudes who make up Echo 7 are based in South Carolina and have been kicking about since about the late 90's.  They got a big break a couple of years ago with proper management and now are poised to burst big onto the scene.  One Step Away, the band’s second record, sounds like a big sick rock beast.  The opening weird radio signals followed by a tiny acoustic piece feedbacks into the first track "Inside Out," which for all the world sounds like something you would expect from A Perfect Circle—a great way to open the album then.  This track is followed by several great songs with really good riffs and excellent playing in which the twin guitars sound really powerful.  "One Step Away" has elements of Disturbed amongst it.  (The band has played shows with them, as well as the Foos, Trust Co. and KoRn amongst others.)  I really like this CD.  It has got a very nice vibe and feels very together as a whole album.  Instant comparisons could be made to bands such as Puddle Of Mudd and maybe Default, but there is a lot more than that to be discovered.  "Reason Why" has a definite feel of early and best Days of The New about it.  The band has two vocalist/guitarists by the names of Ronnie O'Briant and Dave Sharrock and they complement each other so well.  The harmonies are spot on and the group’s rhythm section sounds equally as good.  The songs on the whole are all very dynamic and forceful.  There are a couple of obligatory slow tunes, but they just help the pacing of things.  Of the slow ones, "Uninvited" really stands out.  I can imagine a video where we see marines setting off to war, kissing their loved ones goodbye…. oh shoot that's been done already!  Anyway, I wish this band well.  They've made a nice, solid sounding piece of work here and, no doubt, with all that roadwork they should be a pretty tight live act too.  I look forward to checking them out when they pass through my neck of the woods.  -Glen

Eels - Shootenanny! (Dreamworks)

At first listen to the Eels Shootenanny, Peter Case’s Six Pack of Love comes to mind on opener, “All in a Days Work,” and Evan Dando’s Lemonhead’s Car Button Cloth is reminiscent during the rocking “Saturday Morning”.  Those are high compliments.  Like Dando’s Lemonheads, Eels is a one-man rocking, wrecking crew led by Mark Oliver Everett a.k.a. “E”.  In addition to writing and producing the majority of the words and music on Shootenanny, E sings and plays guitar, keyboards, drums and mandolin.  E’s husky, gin-soaked baritone adds a woodsy charm to songs like “The Good Old Days” and the humorously titled “Restraining Order Blues”.  It also adds passion to the rollicking “Saturday Morning”.  Some of the more interesting lyrics include the opening line to “Dirty Girl”: “I like a girl with a dirty mouth, someone that I can believe.  In “Agony”, “Am I going to be all right.  No I’m not going to be all right. I look into the mirror and all I see is age and fear and agony.”  Take a little more Dando, mix it up with the ghost of Warren Zevon in the album’s subtitle, “Rock Hard Times”: “They told me that I couldn’t come back here again.  Took me for some kind of fool.  Said I was doing things that never should be done. I don’t know what they are trying to do me. Make me into some sick joke.  But no ones’ laughing and least of all, not me.  It’s hard to laugh as you choke. I hope you like the rotten stench of doom.”  Ironically, these doom and gloom lyrics are often sung in a melodic beautiful and sweet voice.  -Brendan McMahon

Endo – Songs for the Restless (DV8/Columbia) 1/4

On their sophomore effort Endo have shed their outer rap skins in order to focus on a more refined sound.  Songs for the Restless finds Endo taking a big leap as the band moves on to the next level of their musical career.  The tracks that make up Songs for the Restless depend on a deeper sonic sound.  These dark, seductive tunes touch upon topics of frustration, distraction, and vulnerability and the album’s seductive qualities are further enhanced by hard vs. soft dynamics and Bitton’s emotive tone.  “Simple Lies,” “Remember Us,” and “Enemy” are just a few of the delightful surprises to be discovered in this soul bearing release.   -NIN

English Softhearts - Double Platinum (The Magic Spot Productions)

I'm not quite sure why I got this record 2 years after they recorded it, but let me tell you, if they delayed sending it because they thought it would get better with time, they were wrong.  If they delayed sending it because they wanted to get initial sales in before my ever-powerful bad review came out, they succeeded.  So I will use my almighty pen to tell the millions of people who are reading this: do not buy this hunking pile of art-noise wanna be wacky shit.  It will just annoy you for a half hour.  -Repojay

Entombed – Inferno (Koch)  1/2

A somewhat disappointing offering from one of death metal’s founding fathers.  Either their pact with the devil has a time line on it or maybe they are just getting fucked by Mother Nature.  The first track “Retaliation” reflects the full on heavy ball clenching hard grind sound I’ve grown to expect from Entombed (if the rest of the album was as good, this would have gotten 4*s).  Most everything after that seems to land in or on the shitter.  Towards the end it just gets way too painful to listen to any more, and I’ve been an Entombed fan for more than a decade.  Their 1991 release of “Left Hand Path” almost defined what death metal should be, and this is what we get now?  Where’s the love?  -Colin Bowel

Freax (Tech Star Media) 3/4

Talk about judging a book by its cover.  Freax’s self-titled release looked like something I’d be into, so imagine my surprise when I found out that the band features Life of Agony vocalist Keith Caputo on vocals.  Originally formed in Brazil in 1983, Freax achieved notoriety by touring with the likes of Sepultura.  The band’s career ended when their guitarist was electrocuted on a set of train tracks and died.  After a long hiatus, the remaining original members have regrouped with the addition of Caputo.  The newly resurrected Freax possesses Life of Agony’s edge and mixes it with a penchant for experimentation.  It’s definitely not a big production album.  In fact, the disc possesses the quality of a demo recording.  The dark metal outfit mixes hard riffs with a disturbed industrial edge but, for the most part, this self-titled offering is all over the map musically, as it features a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of rap metal, a little bit of alternative, and a little bit of industrial.  Freax are well versed, to say the least.  “Human Comedy” lays forth a classic rock groove ala Pink Floyd.  “Big Pop Food” calls to mind a meeting between Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana.  I’m not sure where they were going with “Pale,” but it seems like the band was in a weird place at the time.  The System of a Down inspired “Sperm Song,” the all out metal musings of “Nitro Love,” and the Southern groove of “Girl Child” shake things up further.  The best track on the album is the industrial tinged “Cut to Deep”.  In all honesty, the talent is there but the band needs to streamline their sound. (Note to Life of Agony fans: The band is back together with Keith on vocals)  -NIN

Freya - As The Last Light Drains (Victory) 1/2

Experimental debut from those incredibly crazy vegetable eatin’ boys from Earth Crisis.  It’s somewhat of an impressive piece of work if you’re into straight edge crap.  As for myself, I’d rather spark one up, pop open a cold one, and grill up a T-bone.  But what do I know?  Other than fresh material, it sounds like early Earth Crisis with a second singer.  It’s your typical loss/anger/despair bullshit.  Boohoofuckinhoo.  As The Last Light Drains is a good release.  I just don’t like the lifestyle.  If I lived like that, I’d be pissed off too.  Be happy -- eat a burger!  -Colin Bowel