Bite Me! CD Reviews G - R

Gatsby’s American Dream – Ribbons & Sugar (Rocketstar Recordings) ¼

Gatsby’s American Dream’s latest release, Ribbons & Sugar, is a concept album of sorts based loosely off of George Orwell’s book Animal Farm.  Featuring blindfolded corporate pigs on the cover (the swine, not the Enron execs), Ribbons & Sugar aims to explore the life worth living and at what expense, and to whom.  The music on Ribbons & Sugar is reminiscent of both Lagwagon and the math rock of Dredg – mixed with more progressive rock at times.  Interesting, sometimes almost danceable, Gatsby’s American Dream is trying to put a more intellectual spin on almost-emo, and doing a pretty good job of eking out their own niche.  -J

GBH – Cruel & Unusual (Idol Records)

This new release by underground 80s punk legends GBH is neither Cruel nor Unusual.  In fact, it's more like Standard and Normal for this punk group.  Six quickie punk covers (who has time to write songs anymore?) are thrown together with 4 poorly recorded live cuts for a 30 minute slab that's pretty standard for this genre.  Don't be expecting much in the way of "new" here. This is the S.O.S. that appeals to the fans only.  –Repojay

The Go (Lizard King Records)

The first track from this Detroit Rock City trio is called “Capricorn” and to these ears sounds like Screaming Trees singing “Telegram Sam”. This album is part dirty blues part sleazy glam rock. “Ain’t that bad” isn’t bad, and it features a retro sounding guitar groove that has a real 70’s feel to it.  The bio says that these guys supported The White Stripes in the UK.  In fact, legend has it that Jack White himself used to be a member of The Go.  I could see these guys on an Eagles of Death metal tour, or maybe something a little less kitsch and a bit more stoner.  “Blue eyed Woman” sounds like it wants so much to be T-Rex, but falls short of its target.  The album in general is a bit all over the place - different sounds but no real storyline.  However, because the songs sound like different bands it sorta feels like you’ve found a bunch of old vinyl in your parent’s attic.  On “I Got It” the guitars are fuzzed to the max like a glam rock a-go-go.  I think about half the songs are tunes I need to keep on my Ipod (it’s almost full!)  I like the 50’s sounding “Games,” which is the Beatles having fries and a malt with Buddy Holly.  However, the stellar standout belongs to “Summers Gonna be My Girl”.  It’s the hit on here and it stands head and shoulders above the rest.  It’s Jimi jamming with the Kinks mixed with plenty of Low-fi Black Keys.  It’s timeless, yet sounds like it was born in ‘63.  So to sum up, if you like Exile era Stones (who doesn’t?) then you will either like this album a lot, or you’ll just dig Main Street out and get the real thing.  -Glen

Green Carnation – A Blessing in Disguise (Season of Mist)

OMG!  Who unleashed prog-rock upon my unsuspecting ears?  If you enjoyed the Stonehenge scene in Spinal Tap and still play Dungeons and Dragons, you’ll absolutely love this.  If, like me, you think such pretentiousness is best left in the closet or at a Darkness concert, this makes for a really fun drunk review (which we haven’t had in soooo long.)  -J

The Hangmen – Loteria (Acetate Records) 1/4

It’s nice to see that this garage rock outfit is still alive and kicking.  The Hangmen have been there and done it and are back to show the posers how to do it right.  Not sacrificing substance for substance, this raw aggressive unapologetic discs stays true to its roots from begging to end.  On Loteria The Hangmen deliver 13 solid slabs of no bullshit rock ‘n’ roll.  Yes Virginia, before The Strokes and The Vines real garage rock bands like The Hangmen did exist.  -NIN

Happy Campers (Monkey Ass Records) 3/4

This is what punk rock is about – DIY and the scene.  Happy Campers have been around for about 6 years playing what I’d consider your standard topical Pennywise-style punk rock.  But what’s remarkable is these guys are totally self-supported – self-releasing their own CD’s, planning their own tours, building a Vegas scene, getting themselves sponsored by Airwalk.  Nice job.  They’re stuff is pretty middle of the road punk and they aren’t reinventing anything, but Happy Campers are solid enough for me to want to see them play live.  These guys are living the punk rock dream.  -J

Helmet - Size Matters (Interscope Records)

Has it really been 7 years since Helmet's last record?  Has it really been THIRTEEN years since they were the beneficiaries of the infamous post-Nirvana label grunge bidding wars?  By that perspective, Page Hamilton & Co. are practically grandfathers.  I've never been one to like Helmet - always feeling their songwriting was nothing special underneath their post-metal sludge.  But time changes perspective and after hearing umpteenth years of Korn wannabes throw their bile at the public, Helmet sounds downright Beatlesque.  There's not much new ground broken on their comeback record, but it's certainly well more refreshing than most other hard records out this year.  -Repojay

The Hives – Tyrannosaurus Hives (Interscope Records)

For some reason, most critics seem to think that matching outfits, a Swedish background, goofy press quotes, and a guitar lick made for commercial "bumpers" makes The Hives the ‘IT’ band of the 2000's.  Don't they realize that matching outfits haven't been cool since The Knack?  Don't they know that Swedes don't have the culture (that's the Danes...that'll start a feud from some of you readers)?  Don't they realize goofy press quotes cover up for having nothing to say?  And, don't they realize that a guitar lick pre-made for an iTunes commercial also means they don't have an additional 2:45 in the song to back up the 15 second lick?  And, this from an album that's only 30 minutes to begin with.  If you buy this, P.T. Barnum has a slot in his circus, herr sucker.  –Repojay

The Ike Reilly Assassination – Sparkle in the Finish (Sixthman) 3/4

The Ike Reilly Assassination’s Sparkle in the Finish is laced with elements of punk blues and garage rock.  These enjoyable, entertaining ditties will take you back to the early years and will remind you of the simplistic days when rock ‘n’ roll was all about the music and not about making a quick buck.  “The Boat Song (We’re Getting Loaded)” is incredibly catchy.  The southern twang of “Garbage Day,” is enjoyable, as is the sexy swagger of “Our Lady of Arturo” and the smoky blues of “Ballad of the Choir Boy Bank Robber.”   -NIN

Inouk - No Danger (Say Hey)

Heard the 411 on Inouk recently? Well if you have, ignore it. Save it for someone who relies on the hype. Save the “Hot New Band” and “Next Big Thing” pages for the next Velvet Underground, Joy Division, Nirvana ripoff.  Save the industry buzz of the season for The Kills, The Stills, The Thrills, The Distillers, or The Killers. Inouk, gloriously, does not fit in.  This young New York quintet haven’t quite decided which of that city’s healthy (and hyped) rock scenes they want to be a part of. Listen to the right track from No Danger, Inouk’s full-length debut and you’ll think singers/guitarists Damon and Alexander McMahon and their bandmates are reaching toward tight-trousered neo-garage ("What I Want"), spacy post-punk melancholia ("No Danger"), or coyly androgynous dance punk ("Victory"). But though they do fine by each of these subgenres, Inouk are at their best, and their most distinctive, when they end up somewhere in the middle, as on the pretty, deliberately paced "Elected"and "With the Birds." Brothers and co-front men Damon and Alexander McMahon each sing and play electric and acoustic guitars. A swirling unification of sonically expansive country and shoegazing blues, or maybe just good-old roadhouse reverb. Whatever you want to call it, it's music to these weary ears.  The more you listen, the better Inouk sounds.  -R-L0

Jimmy Eat World – Futures (Interscope) ¾

Bleed American was the breakthrough album for Jimmy Eat World (JEW).  Clarity was their most emo.  Now Futures brings the breach together by being a lush album that show’s JEW’s maturity, while having the occasional rocker (“Nothingwrong”) and the occasional emo weepie (“Pain”).  Sure to be in my CD player for a while, it isn’t as sappy as Dashboard Confessional, but I would like more hard rocking songs because I feel that JEW is at their best then.  Really enjoyable, the songwriting is awesome, and their musicianship is tighter than ever.  -J

John Butler Trio - What You Want (Lava Records)

This teaser EP to the debut from John Butler is named for the first single, "What You Want".  If he's asking, I'm telling...it ain't this shit.  Dirty white boy dreadlocked guitarist who thinks he can sing the blues because patchouli and sandals get him there.  Um, I don't think so.  He hasn't earned the right to cover the Beatles yet, like he maims "Across The Universe" into some bizarro swamp Bayou acoustic sludge.  He also hasn't earned the right to have anyone sit thru 12 minute jam noodles in the track "Better Man".  That comes after you've let us know you actually have talent.  If you're into white men giving you soul, Marc Broussard is your man.  But with Mr. Butler, no amount of patchouli oil will cover up the stink of this record.  -Repojay

Johnny Action Figure (19 North Records)

Johnny Action Figure’s debut sounds a bit like Coheed & Cambria.  However, it is a little lighter on the ears.  The boys from Philly have been playing together since they were fourteen, and even though that was only four years ago the maturity shows in their music.  This self-titled debut contains many of the familiar emo elements; however, Johnny Action Figure’s songs are more angular.  If you dig the Get Up Kids you’ll like what this indie emo-esque rock band has to offer.  Standouts include: “Victory,” “Thursday,” Magnesium,” and “i-95”.  -NIN

Kaada/Patton – Romances (Ipecac Recordings)

I love me some Mike Patton.  But his last 2 projects, Fantomas and this one with Norwegian artist John Kaada, have left me feeling a little -- how should I say this -- wanting.  My favorite part of his amazing singing style and range is when he just goes off – like in Faith no More or Mr. Bungle.  When Mike shows his musicianship and his more fantastical side, if it doesn’t show some aggression, I could care less.  Besides, who won’t Mike Patton work with now?  It seems his pairings do give some amazing results on occasion (ie: Bjork), and don’t get me wrong, Romances is a nice listening if you dig quiet, spare music with some baroque meets technology overtones, but it’s just not my thing.  It is an accomplished work though, and definitely shows a huge amount of depth and musicianship, so I am recommending it. -J

Keane - Hopes and Fears (Interscope) 3/4

This English group is busy making a big noise in the UK right now - big like Coldplay big.  Everyone is talking about this record, and it’s easy to see why.  These three guys make huge lush and rich music that has a certain delicacy in it but also a strength that resonates throughout.  The album starts with “Somewhere Only We Know,” which is about as hooky as anything on here.  If you like well crafted songs by bands such as the Doves or perhaps newcomers Snow Patrol, then you will find a lot to love with this record.  At times singer Tom Chaplin’s voice sound more like Travis’ Fran Healy than the little guy himself, especially on “This is the last time,” which has a chorus that just soars overhead.  It’s pretty epic, and it’s surprising to learn these songs are produced by just three guys.  What’s even more surprising is the fact that the group is comprised of just a singer, drummer, and keyboards/piano.  That’s right, no guitars.  Not one. It’s a real testament to the songs that guitars are not missed or even feel needed.  And, while I love most of the songs on the record, as things go on they do start to get a bit long winded and slightly dull, but lets focus on the positive shall we?, “Bend and Break” is wonderful, and brings to mind a latter day Manic Street Preachers.  On “Everybody’s Changing” the piano cuts through the whole thing majestically.  “Can’t Stop Now” almost has a proggy feel, like Queen, as Tom resurrects Freddie Mercury or maybe even the more classically minded Muse.  This is a really good record.  The more powerful songs are great to drive to, and it definitely wears its influences on its sleeve.  But, time will tell if it will make any kind of long lasting impact.  That said, this is a blinding debut.  -Glen

Kill Radio – Raised on Whipped Cream (Columbia)

Love the title and the material is pretty tasty too.  Kill Radio is a group of anti establishment punkers whose snarlin’ lyrics reveal ugly truths about society, the government, and other facts of life.  These boys are living proof that the next generation is a lot smarter than we give them credit for.  “Pull Out” all but steals the show with its groovin’ bass intro and funk rasta solo.  On “Entertained” the boys proclaim “They made radio for the music, now they make music for the radio,” such a sad but true statement.  “Penis Envy” is accompanied by a nice jazzy rhythm guitar lick, and “Where We Go” is another killer tune.  “Ad Jam” kicks up a good groove and the Sublime influenced “Classroom Blues” is downright delightful.  The vocals are a little rough around the edges, but the music is smooth and that is the appeal.  Even though hidden tracks are now a staple, “Feeding The Rich” is worth sticking around for.  Raised on Whipped Cream is a solid album with solid tunes.  I approve.  -NIN

The Kinison – Mortgage is Bank ep (Fearless Records) ¾

Mixing 80’s new wave influences with hard driving rock almost a la Dramarama or The Church, The Kinison delivers on the Mortgage is Bank ep.  Screaming vocals atop the hard driving rhythm section set them apart from many others.  With more work on their songwriting, these guys could be really good.  –J

Kittie – Until The End (Artemis)

Kittie is the band that refuses to die and after all the bullshit these cats are back with a new album and a new attitude.  Talking a cue from Slipknot, Kittie have added more melody to their snarling tunes.  This time there is less focus on demented growls and more emphasis on sweet, clean vocals.  Until The End is more pleasant on the ears compared to past releases, but I’m still not a convert.  Kittie’s songwriting has also improved; however, the songs follow similar structures a little too often.  The title track is a bit sappy, which makes me think that Kittie’s hardcore fans may find Until The End a bit too dramatic and hard to swallow.  -NIN

Klear – Makin’ Noise (Good Charamel Records)  ¾

Innocuous rock music fit for television and film soundtracks best describes the songs on Makin’ Noise from Klear.  While the songs don’t really stand out on their own, and the lead singer’s voice sounds pretty blown out (some would say “unique”), these are possible money makers in other areas.  Klear’s songs are totally great for soundtrack work, and possibly as a sustained local radio and live act.  Klear sounds a little bit like Saliva mixed with Third Eye Blind (and a little .38 Special), but more calm -- without the ferocity and the hooks.  Klear tries, but never really delivers the goods.  -J

Loretta Lynn - Van Lear Rose (Interscope)

My dad always used to play Loretta Lynn in the car when I was a little brat.  I vaguely remember liking her voice, but I was not a fan of the country twang and because A. you’re always supposed to rebel against what your parents like or want you to like and B. at the time I was kickin’ it to Maiden and Motorhead.  Nowadays it’s rare, if ever, that you will find me listening to Eddie’s boys or Lemmy, but full circle we have come to this. Loretta’s latest record - a classic?  Maybe.  I guess time will tell.  But great?  Absolutely.  I’ll make no bones about it, my main interest in this album was peaked as it was produced and guitared by Mr. Jack White himself - a unique talent right from the White Stripes eponymous debut to Elephant and including his contributions to the Cold Mountain soundtrack.  This guy had the possibly unenviable task of pushing Loretta to the top of her game.  Dude, she’s like 80 years old, or something, but she sounds totally awesome on every track.  Vocal duties are shared on the song “Portland, Oregon” with the lady more than matching Jack’s holler as they trade lines.  It’s a definite standout, as is “Have Mercy on Me,” which is a full on dirty blues rocker with Loretta screaming out lyrics that can kick any cowboy’s ass.  A particularly cool moment comes on “Little Red Shoes,” where Loretta in her cutest voice recalls a childhood story from perhaps forever ago— you can imagine Jack and Meg sitting wide eyed taking in the tale, a fire crackling in the background and a couple of whiskeys on the table—here he blankets the story in a warm shroud of slowly building soundscapes that never overshadow the simplicity of the track.  This record has the potential to cross over in so many directions…country fans, blues fans, rockers, and ravers….  It’s just superbly executed music made with heart and tons of passion.  Besides, I reckon my dad would love it.  -Glen

Marilyn Manson – Lest We Forget: The Best Of (Interscope)

Oh how could we ever forget you Marilyn Manson.  It’s ironic that Mason’s ‘best of’ album would bear such a moniker.  I think it’s safe to say that the shock rocker’s success and longevity surprised everyone but those who believed in him.  I truly doubt that Lest We Forget is the end.  After all, U2 have put out three greatest hits records.  I’m sure Marilyn has many more surprises under his belt.  Lest We Forget really is a winner from beginning to end, as Manson mixes up some classics with some commercial favorites and even throws in a few cool covers as well.  Ya gotta love his take on “Personal Jesus”.  If Depeche Mode didn’t write that song, Manson would have.  It is the quintessential Marilyn Manson song.  “Sweet Dreams” and “Tainted Love” are also appropriate.  You have to hand it to Mr. Manson.  When he does something he does it right. Marilyn Manson is a rock star through and through.  -NIN

Tom McRae - Just Like Blood (Nettwerk America)

This album was previously released in Europe about two years ago, where it received nothing but praise and glowing reviews.  When you take a listen to it I think you will clearly hear why.  The reason I am reviewing it now is that under Nettwerk Records it is at last seeing the light of day in the U.S.  Tom McRae is widely regarded as being one of the UK’s premier songwriters right now.  However, he is relatively unknown here at present, but on the strength of this release that is sure soon to change.  So what does he sound like?  Well it’s difficult to make comparisons, as I feel he has a unique voice and style. Some have said that he reminds them of Damien Rice or the superb Nick Drake, but on the Damien tip, at least, I have to say I don’t agree.  Tom’s music has a more urban, darker feel to it - less of Damien’s folksy outdoors sound and more of a grittier landscape.  I also prefer Tom’s storytelling, as it is less spoon-fed and leaves more space for the listener to add their own interpretation and experiences.  There is a romance to the songs, but these aren’t sappy love songs.  Often there is a dark, not exactly sneering, but certainly sarcastic back story to discover - whether it be songs of love or religion (surprising maybe to discover that Tom’s parents are priests).  For instance, on the gorgeous “Walking to Hawaii” he sounds like a choirboy as he sings “A perfect girl, a perfect place, to watch the world go down in flames,” but then he adds “Wouldn’t that be a shame” and you just know he wouldn’t be surprised if it did.  The effect is all the more potent as it is backed by just the most delicate picking of a few acoustic strings.  The music on the album ranges from a whisper quiet “You Only Disappear” to a sweeping vista of sound on “Mermaid Blues”.  This song is stunning and comes complete with a distorted, black cello solo that stirs your soul.  It’s chilling, like when you see Edvard Munch’s The Scream.  Just Like Blood is a very emotional record.  It is not depressing, but it certainly leans towards the darker side.  Tom knows that happiness can be such a fickle, throwaway thing - no sadness.  Now that’s the emotion that has real power and can affect your very being and it can hurt and pull you apart from the inside.  It’s not all melancholy and infinite sadness though, as “Karaoke Soul” is positively upbeat like a twisted pop song, but not pop as we know it (thank goodness).  It is chock full of cellos and strings like an orchestral monster, and yet it is immediate and accessible.  As the album plays, certain themes are revisited, such as love, fear, loss, and strangely water, but this gives it a cohesive feel, like a leather-bound book of ghost stories that can only be read by candlelight.  I really do adore this record, so I’m sorry if this review has rambled on, but I really feel that if I met people who enjoyed it as much as I do, then it could herald a great friendship.  I honestly hope this album finds its audience.  I know it won’t appeal to everyone but, to be honest, I wouldn’t want it to as real music never could.  Real music flows through your veins, just like blood.  -Glen

Ministry – Houses of the Molé (Sanctuary Records)

Houses of the holy molé is more like it!  I was absolutely floored when I heard this disc, and every time I listen to it I still say, “Hot damn!”  Al Jourgensen recently said that whenever a republican is in the White House he gets pissed off and writes a great album.  Well let me tell ya, Molé is proof of that statement and judging by the intensity of the disc I would have to say that Mr. Jourgensen is pretty pissed off.  With its crushing melee of rhythmic, bludgeoning tunes this uncompromising disc contains all the elements that made Psalm 69 a classic.  Jourgensen’s explosive vocals collide with loud, thrashy guitars to create the equivalent of sonic mayhem.  Houses of the Molé kicks off with the brutalizing “No W”.  The intensity continues with “Waiting” and “Wrap City“.  “WTV” picks up where “TV II” (from Psalm 69) left off.  Honestly, there really isn’t just one standout on this disc because each one will kick your ass harder than the last.  Houses of the Molé is proof that you can never be too old to kick a little rock ‘n’ roll booty. (P.S. Diehard Ministry fans be sure to pick up Early Tracks and Side Tracks and keep your eyes peeled for the new Rev. Co. album.)  -NIN

Mortiis – The Grudge (Earache) 1/2

Hello?  What da hell happened here?  I never thought I’d see the day when I would admit to liking a Mortiis record, but I have to give credit where credit is do and The Grudge is a damn good album.  Mortiis has come a long, long way from the Emperor days, and I think that even the most cynical will be shocked.  Fans of industrial music have a new band to check out.  -NIN

The Music 1/2

News Flash! Retro bands are in.  Yeah, I know these lad from Leeds released their self-titled debut in 2003, but now is their time to shine and shine they do on Welcome To The North.  These over-the-top tunes combine the raw power of Led Zeppelin with the epic psychedelia of Jane’s Addiction.  The Music has delivered an album that is disc is refreshing and fun.  Be sure to pick this one up.   -NIN

Nonpoint – Recoil (Lava Records) 1/4

Recoil finds Nonpoint delivering another melodically injected set of angst filled hard rockers.  Meshing together the worlds of angular nu-metal and anthemic heavy metal, Recoil fails to offer anything spectacular.  However, you have to give them credit for not being bent on pounding the listener to a pulp.  Nonpoint does go the extra mile to offer their fans a little variety and flair.  “Rabia” is one of the album’s most promising tracks, and “Done it Anyway,” a Soulfly inspired piece, is another smoker.  The boys also added a tribal twist to “In The Air Tonight” (Phil Collins).  They may not be there yet, but Recoil shows promise. -NIN

No Warning – Suffer, Survive (Machine Shop Recordings)

Linkin Park discovered these guys and thought the world should hear them too so they signed them to their Machine Shop label.  No Warning, from Toronto, Ontario, plays hardcore ala New York style with a twist.  Somewhat of a throw back to Biohazard, these catchy tunes are full of fist bashing beats and shout out loud choruses.  This aggressive and energetic offering mixes melody with mayhem and will get you pumped up for a rip roaring night on the town.  Highlights: “Breeding Insanity,” Hopeless Case,” and Bad Timing.”  -NIN

Pennywise – From the Ashes (Epitaph) ½

Having been a long-term Pennywise fan can bring both great joy and heartache.  Their last CD Land of the Free? was one of their best.  From the Ashes is not.  Most of the songs on this new disc are re-hashes of their signature chord progressions, melodies, even lyrical content.  I guess after 15 years of being one of the best punk bands around, complacency struck.  If you want a great Pennywise disc, listen to Full Circle again and don’t waste your dough, unless you want to check out the included DVD with tons of stuff on it.  -J

Riddlin’ Kids – Stop The World (Columbia) 1/2

The Riddlin’ Kids have matured a bit but their sound is still playful, fun, and filled with lots of energy.  Colorful breakdowns and bouncy melodies add flavor to this rambunctious offering.  Stop The World features twelve more reasons to love this band.  This bouncy offering is filled with mac hooks, torrential riffs, and blinding choruses.  If ya love Handsome Devil give these boys a spin.  -NIN