Bite Me! CD Reviews A - F

Roy Ashen – Sugar and Gasoline (Catapult Productions)

Singer songwriter Roy Ashen’s music has been featured on shows like Dawson’s Creek and Boston Public.  This diverse and talented individual is now looking to expand his reach with the release of Sugar and Gasoline.  This impressive offering is filled with a wide range of sounds and emotions.  These melodic rockers will put a little bounce in your step and a smile in your heart.  Roy’s tight arrangements, passionate vocals, and tasteful melodies make this Sugar and Gasoline a real winner.  -NIN

Automatic Black - De-Evolution (Automatic Black)

I reckon that there are approximately 63,547 bands in LA, and if you go on any given night to The Whisky on Sunset I bet you would stand a good chance of seeing a band just like Automatic Black.  It’s not that I hate the band’s songs or their sound; it’s just that I really am not bothered.  The instruments all sound clear and crisp, which is expected as De-Evolution was produced by Matt Wallace, who did a bunch of stuff for Faith no More once. The drums pound and the guitars squeal whilst the bass holds it down – it’s standard fare.  The songs themselves are fine, and the single “Go Your Way” could be Lit, Hometown Hero, or Handsome Devil.  It’s post Crüe; post grunge rock.  But, where is the spark?  Where is the originality?  Where is the danger or risk?  Vocalist Jeff Darr can be snarly, but it’s 2004, we need to move on.  The thing is there is a whole world of awesome music out there.  Fresh sounding vital bands like Cursive, The Faint, Muse and My Chemical Romance are all bands that give something new and that make people happy when they discover them.  I need to feel music, and the bottom line is I’m just not feeling this.  -Glen

The Berlin Project – The Things We Say (Orange Peal) ¼

The Berlin Project’s latest CD The Things We Say, really brings the band to the next level.  After huge amounts of touring and hard work, it shows.  Their melodies are tight, their brand of poppy-rock meets punk still points a bit to the Atari’s school of “punk”, but that’s OK for their target audience.  All in all, The Things We Say is a good fun-times CD to throw on anytime.  -J

The Break – Handbook For The Hopeless (Ferret Music) 3/4

The Break has a lot of heart and soul.  These five fierce lads deliver garage rock with a snarlin’ punk attitude.  Handbook For The Hopeless is fueled by big riffs and biting rhythms.  “Last Night In Manhattan” is colored by a raw earnestness, and “The Anger Inside My Head” is characterized by angular staccato riffs.  These are but a few of the album’s highlights.  All in all, The Break shows promise.  However, the band’s biggest flaw is the lack of variety in the vocals.  -NIN 

Breaking Benjamin – We Are Not Alone (Hollywood Records) 1/4

Breaking Benjamin is back with an impressive sophomore effort titled We Are Not Alone.  This cool, hard disc calls to mind the likes of Creed, Nickelback, and Default and will definitely appeal to fans of that genre.  You can hear the band coming into their own on We are Not Alone, and even though it is not as hard and edgy as their debut, the album has its moments.  The Philadelphia quartet’s only real downfall is that they tend to rely on the same formula too often.  Other than that, it’s not too shabby.  -NIN 

Carina Round – The Disconnection (Interscope Records)

If anyone in the last few years truly deserves to wear the mantle of the next Patti Smith...well, no one deserves this mantle, but Carina Round has come the closest that I've ever seen anyone come.  The Disconnection’s hard, brutal lyrics and buzzing vocals make Carina a force to be reckoned with.  She holds the fury of a thousand angst-ridden alt-rock bands and spews them with a far more educated wrath than the grungy dropouts normally associated with this sound.  Is this perfect?  Far from it.  She'll have more to grow to be truly legendary, but The Disconnection makes such a passionate statement, that you can't help but keep your eyes pinned on her for future fireballs that she'll be unleashing.  -Repojay

The Chiodas Bros. – The Heartless Control Everything (Search & Rescue Records)  

This is a first for me – a punk/hardcore/pop band with keyboards and xylophone.  The keyboards sound almost like a child’s piano in spots…it’s…ummmm…interesting.  I think I almost like it – if the Chiodos Bros. keep it up and hone their songwriting, I think these guys will go far.  But these 18-20 year olds need more seasoning and less house parties.  –J (I gave an extra star for chutzpah – xylophone punk?)

Chronic Future – Lines In My Face (Interscope) 1/4

Lines In My Face is a pretty decent album; however, it does lack focus.  We’re rap, we’re punk, we’re pop…no, we’re rock.  It’s like, “let’s throw it out there and see what sticks.”  You have to give the Arizona quartet kudos for thinking outside the box.  These boys definitely have a penchant for mixing hues and washes from various genres.  Chronic Future’s free thinking style is undoubtedly the backbone of the Foo Fighter’s inspired “Static On The Radio,” which is by far one of the album’s shinning stars.  “Eyes Wide Open” gets points for delivering one hell of a catchy groove.  Unfortunately, when MC Mike Busse raps he bears a resemblance to Eminem.  Intentional or not, he might get some backlash for that.  Overall, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found on Lines In My Face.  The album is a bold mixture of melodic pop-punk, electronic, and hip-hop elements fused together by grandiose rock arrangements and towering choruses.  -NIN

Conshafter - Fear of the Underdog (Dork Epiphany Records)

These four kids from Virginia have made an album full of breezy pop rock.  It’s a bit punk, a bit emo and it sounds a bit like Weezer and interestingly a bit like The Cars.  The CD is presented well, the booklet is very nicely done, the band look fresh faced and eager to please, they say that they would get sorta angry with anyone file sharing to a zillion people, but then admit that secretly they would be stoked.  The opener “Sleep When I’m Dead” is a great way to kick off and comes complete with handclaps, a chug a lug riff, and some “oohs” and “aahs”.  As the album plays I’m thinking about Cheap Trick because it has that cool Trans-Am/ Conversion van sunny day at college kinda vibe to it.  I think this will appeal to fans of OKGO or maybe even the woefully underrated Sugarcult.  “The Last Day in the Life of a Rocket Scientist” is a short but sweet tale of a geek called Victor and a hooker called Vickie.  “Heavy Metal Parking Lot” is kinda like one of those MasterCard commercials set to a chunky riff.  It’s not quite ‘Priceless,’ but I think I’d perhaps give it a six.  There’s plenty to chew on as the album progresses, and the band sound like they must’ve had a lot of laughs making it.  The track “Porn Star Moustache” certainly stands out, and it would be a perfect accompaniment for the latest Jason Biggs’ teen flick.  I can see the scene now.  I really wish this young group the best of luck, really I do, but dude that name - that’s gonna have to go man.  -Glen

Coyote Shivers - Gives It To Ya Twice (Foodchain Records)

It isn't enough that Mr. Shivers has to give me one half-baked, poorly done derivative record.  He has to give it to me...TWICE!  Fercrisesakes!  At least the first disc (the electric one-One Sick Pup) is not completely self-indulgent like the all-acoustic recorded-in-my-bedroom one is (the acoustic one-From My Bedroom, To Yours).  Methinks Coyote wishes too hard to be Johnny Thunders, or some such nonsense, and
doesn't spend enough time trying to be something new.  The equation is: Mr. Shivers - quality of the actual Mr. Thunders - 2 disc indulgence - acoustic disc indulgence - bored look on album cover = 1 star.  –Repojay

Cradle of Filth – Songs From Nymphetamine (Roadrunner Records)

What?  Only 6 songs from the new Cradle of Filth record?  You cheap Bite Me! bastards couldn't swing the whole fuckin' album?  Don't you have any pull anymore?  I mean, fer crissakes, this is exactly the type of album that they should be dropping full promo copies on your ass like B-1 bombers, but all they can shake up is half an album?  I'm very disappointed in the lack of juice that you guys led me to believe you have.  For what it's worth, the 6 songs are real fuckin' great death metal that is totally perfect in the canon of this band.  If I had the whole album, I might have given it 4 stars, but since Bite Me! and Roadrunner appear to be cheapskates, I'm gonna be a cheapskate as well and give 25% off my star rating.  Bastards.  What would happen if I only gave you half a review?  I couldn't even get a quarter for this shit at the used store!  [Shit, what a whiner.  That would be Roadrunner – all they gave us.  Repo, we’ll buy you the full length for Hanukkah or something.  Nik – add this to the list, ‘kay? –ed.]   -Repojay

Ethan Daniel Davidson - Better Living Through Creative Selling EP (Times Beach Records)

There's something about the DIY aesthetics of this EP and even the song titles that made me feel this record would instantly be one of those horrible records critics are now rejoicing in by calling it "outsider" music.  Instead, Ethan's debut EP is a surprising delight, turning what would be tedious folk songs like "Terrorist" into moving, interesting, emotional art thru an earnestness melded with Beck-like production techniques.  He also never takes himself too seriously, which under other artists, would have killed songs like "I Want To Be A Comfortable Middle-Class Consumer".   This is the type of release that keeps you thinking for hours afterwards and keeps you satisfied throughout.  - Repojay

Dengue Fever (Web of Mimicry/Team Clermont) 3/4

I love it when we get something new that I have never heard of before.  Dengue Fever is almost a retro rock band, but I would almost consider them to be more in the contemporary jazz vein, with  Cambodian pop star (Chhom Nimol) as lead singer.  All the songs are sung in Khmer, her native tongue, and have an undeniably kicky-retro feel to them. You can visualize the tango-ing regulars at Amagi’s in Hollywood moving along to this.  It’s sexy, it’s retro, it’s incredibly dramatic sounding and it might be something to hang on to for those special occasions.  -J

The Dresden Dolls (8ft Records) 1/4

The Dresden Dolls are tres fabulous darlin’.  This flamboyant duo from Boston blends  Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n’ roll fury of Joan Jett and The Violent Femmes.  It’s different and a welcome relief from the cookie cutter material that is currently being pawned as music.  The duo’s theatrical influence is weaved all throughout this eclectic offering along with a little bit of punk and gothic influences.  For a uniquely gratifying experience check out The Dresden Dolls live and on disc.  -NIN

El Centro – Prohibido! (Finger Records)

So what if El Centro isn’t bringing anything new to the Bad Religion/Pennywise punk rock arena?  Prohibido! is a good time, fun listen from a band that’s tight and has so many hooks a Mack truck could drive through them.  El Centro is made up of totally enjoyable empty calories without regret.  -J

El Nada – Nothing for Nobody (Finger Records)

Playing old school punk with a “varrio” twist (yes, that’s from the bio, folks), El Nada has made an urgent, listenable CD in Nothing for Nobody.  Sounding remarkably like Manic Hispanic, El Nada has been around the so cal scene for a while.  Nothing for Nobody was recorded in 48 hours, and the songs do start to sound alike after a while, but they are still pretty good.  Somehow, this CD was in one of my more recent stacks to be reviewed, but it looks like it was put out in 2002, before their more recent split with Electric Frankenstein.  Check ‘em out live on Warped Tour.  –J

Eminem – Encore (Aftermath/Shady/Interscope)

I have to say I usually like Eminem as a rapper.  In his past efforts, he changes things up, puts some controversy into it, and stirs it all together into a thought-provoking mélange that sounds great bumping out of your speakers.  On his latest CD Encore, there’s no evidence of that.  None.  The minor key plodding tracks become monotonous and boring.  When Em tries to stir up some controversy this time, it’s either in a more adult political manner (“Mosh”), or extremely sophomoric such as puking during the song “Puke” which is directed at his ex-wife (I’m getting tired of the Kim dissing.  Aren’t you?  Move on…).  Nothing unique is here -- even his flows seem off.  Encore is Em’s weakest CD to date.  If you need a dose of Eminem, revisit The Slim Shady LP and avoid spending your hard-earned cash on Encore.  –J

Even The Odd - Popular Among Van Owners (Wrong Records)

The band Even The Odd hails from a town an hour outside of Detroit, and the music is just as out of touch with reality.  It's not a surprise that these youngsters were actually signed to a major label in a previous incarnation, as each song sounds like a band trying to impress label heads instead of trying to make music that people might like.  I take that back.  They might have liked this in 1995.  In any case, if this record is truly "Popular Among Van Owners", then it probably explains why I don't own a van.  -Repojay

Far – Water & Solutions (Immortal)

Kerrang! Magazine listed Water & Solutions as one of the top 50 most influential albums of all time.  Thursday, Funeral For a Friend, and others all cite this disc as a major influence.  Far’s Water & Solutions was ahead of its time when it made its debut in 1998, and now it is prime time for this album to make a comeback. The re-issued double disc set comes with a bonus DVD that contains the band’s personal footage, commentary, live shows, etc.  The newly re-issued Water & Solutions is a must for any Far fan.  Those who are into the emo scene will also enjoy this disc, which will probably make them regret not seeing these guys back in the day.  Water & Solutions is an emotionally charged disc filled with powerful and passionately textured songs.  Remarkably, this landmark release still sounds fresh today.   -NIN 

Flogging Molly – Within A Mile of Home (Side One Dummy)

One has to appreciate the uniqueness of Flogging Molly’s sound.  However, I have always found it difficult to listen to the band’s records from beginning to end - until now.  Flogging Molly perfects their hybrid sound on Within A Mile Of Home.  The eclectic bunch continues to breed traditional Irish influences and heavy-hearted storytelling with brazen punk rock; however, this time around they’ve added a little more variety and pep to the music.  There are plenty of pit-friendly, fist-pumping moments to be found and the ballads are stronger than ever.  Fans will love it, and if you’ve been uncertain about the band this record will change your point of view.  “The Seven Deadly Sins” pays homage to Joe Strummer (The Clash), and “Don’t Let Me Die Wondering” is a tribute to Johnny Cash.  There’s a nice Cajun vibe on “Tomorrow Comes A Day Too Soon”.  “Whistles The Wind” is a traditional ballad that will move you to tears, as will the powerful “To Youth (My Sweet Rosin Dubh)”.  Within A Mile Of Home is one of those rare albums that will bring a tear to your eye, a spring to your step, and a melody to your heart.  -NIN  

The F-Ups (Capital) 3/4

The F-Up’s review kept getting f’ed up, but now it is finally happening.  These four lads from Rochester Minnesota are barely old enough to vote, but they sure can crank out the high-octane anthems.  Bristling with teen angst, this razor sharp disc is brash and bratty through & through.  Twelve songs clocking in at just under 30 minutes – these boys get to the point quick with their anthemic choruses and speed ball riffs.  This self titled debut gets it start with the hooky opener, “Lazy Generation,” and that is just one of many enjoyable tracks.  Other greats include “Screw You” and “Crack Ho,” which is a bit reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “American Girl”.  Not to be over looked is the commendable cover of Mott The Hoople’s “All The Young Dudes” and the irresistible “I Don’t Know”.  If you caught the F-Ups on this year’s Warped Tour you’re probably already a fan.  If not, pick this disc up.  These boys are energetic, fun, and not afraid to make fun of themselves – ya gotta love ‘em.   -NIN