Bite Me! CD Reviews A - F
A Change of Pace – Prepare The Masses
(Immortal)
1/2
Prepare The Masses is one of those albums in which the songs reflect upon personal struggles and hard-earned experiences. The band’s sound is a mixture of hard rock and emo with pop overtones. It’s not new or exciting, but it’s radio friendly enough for the masses. The hook-laden title track kicks things off. A few songs in A change of Pace delivers the summer anthem of 2006 - “Weekend Warriors”. Vocalist Torry lays out his addictions in “White Lies and Lipstick”. Not to be overlooked is the ultra poppy “A Song the World Can Sing Out Loud” and the infectious “Take Care”. A little more maturity is displayed on “War in Your Bedroom”. There’s no denying that the members of A Change of Pace are talented. All they need to do is bring a little more originality to table. -NIN
AFI – December Underground
(Interscope)
1/2
When AFI was on Nitro I remember saying that with a little nurturing these guys will be huge. Well look at them now. And, that is why I lost interest. If you feel the same way, don’t judge Decemberunderground solely on “Miss Murder” because deep within this album the heart and soul of AFI still burns. The reason AFI is on album number seven is because they manage to continuously reinvent themselves and keep their music interesting in the process. Decemberunderground presents a fusion of punk, hardcore, rock, pop, goth, and electronic elements. The album mixes current techniques with the band’s tried and true formula. “The Missing Frame” hints at a Depeche Mode / New Order influence. Electronics are the center focus of “37mm” and I suspect this song is similar to what one would hear from Black Audio which is Davey Havok and Jade Puget’s side project. “Kill Caustic” is a throw back to the band’s hardcore past and “Affliction” also weighs in on the more aggressive side. The cool thing is that the members of AFI are still as personable as the day the band was formed. I have to say they definitely earned their time in the spotlight. -NIN
Aiden – Dark Oath (Victory)
No more screamo! -J
The Bangkok Five –
Who’s Gonna Take Us Alive? (Universal)
1/2
This boisterous bunch of Hollywood rockers mix elements of bands like Franz Ferdinand with the mind-set of groups like New York Dolls and Hanoi Rocks. Bangkok Five’s blistering debut, Who’s Gonna Take Us Alive?, contains 13 contagious tracks that mix equal parts pop, glam, punk, and sleazy rock. These heavily guitar influenced tunes feature lots of tantalizing licks and infectious choruses. “Texas Rainbow Field Party” gets this solid set off to a rockin’ start. The anthemic “Karmakazi” kicks out a super energetic vibe that will keep you high for days. The Sexual vigor of “Spread Eagle” is fueled by Frost’s sultry, throaty, and highly emotive vocals. “Tiara” is about a Hollywood actress who picks up a total stranger on Craigslist just for sex. (If you take a moment to think about it I’m sure you’ll figure out who they are talking about.) The infectious beat on “Turn It Up” is matched by the equally energetic “Live like a Criminal” and the heavily distorted buzz of “Chapter 11”. If you’re looking for a good time check out the Bangkok Five. -NIN
The Bank Robbers – Tomorrow Belongs To Me
(No Milk Records)
1/2
In 2005 The Bank Robbers’ Robert & Vinny were invited on stage to sing “I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For” with U2. Does it have anything to do with this disc? No. Do you care? Probably not. For the most part, The Bank Robbers Tomorrow Belongs To Me sounds like most other post-hardcore albums out there. It’s poppy, but not too, and you also get the standard angry spoken vocals mixed with harmonic soaring vocals, intricate powerful riffs, and occasional omnipresent hand-claps. In general, The Bank Robbers are skilled songwriters. They just need to differentiate their sound. If you are a fan of The Used and Hawthorne Heights you’ll appreciate what Tomorrow Belongs To Me has to offer. -NIN
The Barbarellatones – Coldsore (Self Released) 0
Barbarellatones singer Robbie Quine has a tranni streak in her similar to Alexis Arquette and a vocal streak owed to many a campy singer starting with 70’s glam to the present day. The band tries way too hard to be a part of that scene so much so that everything just feels lame. The title track name checks every band they wish they were (and couldn't even wipe the sweat from). Then they talk about sex with monsters from bad 80’s films ("I Had Sex with a C.H.U.D."). To top it off, the bassist is named Andy Snorehol and the production hasn't seen basements like this since the original cult they're trying to be a part of was spawned. This is the exact type of shit that I want to like, but the Barbarellatones have done it in the exact way NOT to do it. -Repojay
The
Bosch - Buy One Get One
(Self-released)
Wow...how many ways can I diss this record? It's a little too easy. This record deserves the ki-BOSCH! Or...Buy One Get One? At less than 30 minutes it's more like Buy One Get Half! This band sounds like so many post-punk wannabe bands that emerged in the late seventies after the rise of Talking Heads and demise of Max's. Only they don't write good songs, and the bands back then didn't either so I suppose they fit in somewhere. That place, however, is not my home stereo. -Repojay
Bright Light Fever – The Evening Owl
(Stolen Transmission)
1/2
Bright Light Fever has a quirky sound - one in which dirty blues melodies coat thick rock riffs. Straight out of Placerville, CA. the band features brothers Evan & Matt Ferro in addition to Dave Suave and Robert Torres. Though talented, the material on The Evening Owl doesn’t offer anything spectacular to set it apart from every other indie rock band out there. The band has the potential, yet they fall short on more than one occasion. The Evening Owl presents some good rock tunes, but without a catchy hook or solid chorus not much is memorable. -NIN
Buzzcocks - Flat-Pack Philosophy
(Cooking Vinyl)
You know those awful Miller Lite man laws commercials? There ought to be a similar parody called "Music Laws" in which one of the laws should go as follows: No band, which has been broken up for 10 years or more, shall be allowed to have a career that lasts longer post-breakup as it did pre-breakup. The most recent example being Mission Of Burma. Most egregious though is the Buzzcocks. This new record is just re-treading already navigated post punk waters. Only this time, the vocals are so far less urgent that they may be the closest thing to punk on Prozac (though the guitars might belie that). Showing signs like the aging punks they are is not beneficial to maintaining a legacy. -Repojay
Richard Cheese – The Sunny Side of the
Moon, The Best Of (Surfdog)
If you aren’t familiar with Richard Cheese, be thankful. He is the lounge lizard king of cover songs done in a "swingin'" way. This is a compilation of his Best Of (many would say worst of, but I digress…) Some of these covers are almost inspired – “Gin and Juice” originally by Snoop Dogg is a riot, and my favorite is “Down With the Sickness” originally by Disturbed. So wrong... -J
The Church – Uninvited Like The Clouds
(Cooking Vinyl)
1/2
Wow! Talk about a blast from the past. Actually, The Church never really went away they just disappeared into the underground. Uninvited Like The Clouds retains the band’s trademark shimmering, atmospheric guitar sound. However, the boys try a little too hard to deliver an album’s worth of epic material. “Block” and “Pure Chance” run past the six-minute mark and leave the listener wishing for something far simpler. The piano arrangements on “Day” are nice, but the song is a bit long-winded. “Unified” mixes the band’s familiar jangly guitar pop with electronic atmospherics. While it’s nice to see The Church still working, someone should remind them that a little simplicity can be good. -NIN
Cracker - Greatest Hits Redux
(Cooking Vinyl)
Why would anyone feel the need to re-record their greatest hits record? At least David Lowery is a bit blatant on this disc. He doesn't get any royalties from the Virgin recordings, so when he heard they were releasing a Cracker best of he rerecorded them note for note for release on another label that he would receive some bucks for. Nice idea, but worth your bucks? It's not THAT different. If you're a completist you'll have to get it. If you're so casual you didn't even remember this group till this review, go with the Virgin version. Otherwise flip a coin. Is this really worth obsessing over? Better yet, buy a promo copy of the Virgin disc and just send David 10 bucks in the mail. -Repojay
Crime In Stereo – The Troubled
Stateside (Nitro)
The Long Island based hardcore punk unit pitches them hard and fast in The Trouble Stateside. On this crushing release Crime In Stereo blend the hard energy of the early days and balance it out with a new focus on melody, but nothing that would garner losing cred points over. The band’s hardcore roots are present in the opening track, “Everything Changes / Nothing Is Ever Truly Lost”. “I’m on the Guest List Motherfucker” displays a good use of dynamics, while the ambitious “I, Stateside” pairs skewed melodies and politically charged lyrics. Speaking of melodies, the vocals carry a lot of the weight on “Gravity Grace”. Kristian’s devastating lyrics are exemplified in “Sudan,” which spins woes of financial struggle and life’s everyday ruts. This musically diverse offering proves that the band has matured and found their niche. The Troubled Stateside brings the genre beyond teenage angst, shouting vocals, and crushing guitars. It’s passionate melodic hardcore that will actually make you stop and think instead of going through the motions. Another reason to support this band…despite serious health issues Dunne & Kristian don’t object to the band’s incessant tour schedule. They love the music and the fans that much. -NIN
Cult of Luna – Somewhere Along The
Highway (Earache)
1/4
The Swedish mood metalists known as Cult of Luna have delivered an intense seven track offering that is over 70 minutes in length. 70 minutes is a long time, especially for me, but I would have enjoyed this disc more had it not been for the constant interruption of the voiceover used to prevent MP3 file sharing: “You’re listening to the new album by Cult of Luna”. Alright, let me tell ya something label peeps, the BiteMe! Squad is too damn lazy and too damn busy to be downloading albums onto the Internet. (Hell, I still haven’t figured out how to download the albums I’m authorized for, for review purposes.) [Pain in the ass – don’t have time, we work insane day jobs and do this for love. We understand your issues (because more than a couple of us WORK in the industry), however if you want it reviewed, send a clean copy. Not a download, not a watermark, not some bozo with voiceovers. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again - No clean copy, no review. Period. –ed] So if you want a decent review just send us the f’in copy that doesn’t have all the b.s. We’re not 18. Unfortunately, this annoying crap made it damn near impossible to get into the vibe of the album. Thus, destroying any possibility of Somewhere Along The Highway receiving a favorable assessment. In between the crap it appears that Cult of Luna have crafted up a dynamic album that will excite extreme metal fans worldwide. The group’s mammoth, epic sound is fueled by overly dramatic organic soundscapes and the songs are diverse, powerful, and deeply soul driven. It is possible that Somewhere Along The Highway is their career defining mark. However, those who buy the album will have to be the judge. -NIN
Désolé – A Story To Tell
(Abacus)
1/2
Désolé, which means desolate in French, deliver indie rock loaded with huge melodies and even bigger hooks. A Story To Tell is a collection of tragic narratives, which are surrounded by textured guitars and soaring melodies. These radio friendly tunes are delivered with lots of conviction and portray a traumatic experience from unexpected points of view. The vibrant energy of “Personal” is fueled by the band’s pulsating triple guitar attack and the catchy atmospherics of “Shadow Girl” displays Désolé’s penchant for coating pop rock with dark undertones. Other highlights include the energetic “Familiar Pills” and the infectious “Gossip”. On A Story To Tell this Phoenix based outfit has delivered an encouraging effort that suggests greater things to come. -NIN
Demolition Doll Rods – There Is A
Difference (Swami Records)
Demolition Doll Rods are so far from mainstream that the TRL generation won’t even get it. All three members—Margaret, Thumper, and Danny— sport the surname Doll Rod and their sound is akin to a great bar band. The Rods psychedelic futuristic adaptation of garage punk derives its charm from blues tinged swaggering riffs and a blatant don’t give a shit attitude. On There Is A Difference deep gravely throaty vocals mesh with sloppy riffs, big choruses, and adolescent viewpoints. This fun lovin’ group takes pride in boasting about their sexual escapades, which is evident in “Booty Call, Take You Home.” For penance they add their take of “Amazing Grace,” and botch things up again with the big man in “Ain’t Nobody Do Me like Jesus.” I think we all need to pray for the Doll Rods’ souls. -NIN
Dirty Pretty Things –
Waterloo
To Anywhere
(Interscope)
3/4
Dirty Pretty Things features Carl Barat & Gary Powell of The Libertines. Given all the interruptions in the Babyshambles’ schedule due to Pete Doherty’s antics these blokes are much better off. Of course, Doherty’s actions are addressed in “Deadwood,” which is more of a wake-up call than a scolding. Waterloo To Anywhere is an exceptionally well crafted record with a lot of edge that resonates with an infectious pop charm. The band’s lively nature is captured in the glam-rock shimmer of “Bang Bang, You’re Dead” and the feisty disco beats of “The Enemy”. Next, they channel the Hives in the foot stomping anthem “You Fucking Love It”. “Wondering” delivers a generous serving of catchy guitar riffs, while the adventurous “Last of the Small Town Playboys” showcases some interesting time-changes. If you found Babyshambles’ Down In Albion to be somewhat of a disappointment you won’t feel the same about Waterloo To Anywhere. Pass this up and you’re missing out. -NIN
Dragon Force – Inhuman Rampage
(RoadRunner)
Straight out of London comes the extreme melodic power metal outfit known as Dragon Force. The group’s instantly recognizable sound is formed through a melding of technical prowess, high pitched melodic vocals, and a furious breakneck speed delivery. It’s a Molotov cocktail of Bon Jovi, Dream Theatre, and a lethal dose of speed. At one point, I swore Yngwie Malmsteen was on guitar, but I was wrong. It was Herman Li – a man who prides himself on shredding on a 6 string. To be honest, I miss drunk reviews!!! The inhumanly high pitched vocals on Inhuman Rampage make this disc a perfect contender (not to mention the Yngwie factor). I tried to make it all the way through but it made me cry and not in a good way. They may be British Metal but this sounds more like something that came out of Sweden or Norway. If you are into extreme power metal, Star Wars, and D&D then this is for you. -NIN
Dream Theatre – Score
(Rhino)
Okay, first things first. Let’s call this album what it is – a big fat ego boost. On the final night of their 20th anniversary tour Dream Theatre found themselves playing at Radio City Music Hall. Not only did they play there, but the band was also backed by a 30 piece orchestra during half their set. Fans can relive that moment forever on the 3 disc CD or 2 disc DVD set, both of which capture the show in its entirety. With nearly 3 hours of material it’s the marathon of live shows. The score spans the spectrum of the group’s illustrious career ranging from “Another Won,” which is the first song the band wrote, to their last release Octavarium. The first disc of the CD set is the band’s standard live show, which lasts about an hour. Disc 2 & 3 feature the band with the orchestra and clocks in at an hour and forty minutes thanks to the forty minute opus “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence”. Yes, I said 40 minutes and the poor bastards in the audience probably didn’t even get intermission. The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound audio is very clean and provides an excellent mix of the band and orchestra. The production quality of the DVD is equally superb. This visual feature highlights the group’s stunning live show and includes a 1 hour documentary that contains rare never seen before footage and interviews with current and past band members. Hardcore Dream Theatre fans will kill for this. -NIN
The Dresden Dolls – Yes, Virginia
(RoadRunner)
1/2
Yes Virginia, the follow up to The Dresden Dolls critically acclaimed self-titled debut is a praise-worthy effort that picks up where its predecessor left off and travels realms beyond. It’s simpler with a more minimal approach to the instrumentation, and it is also more polished, which makes it more accessible to the mainstream. However, the music is as gripping as ever and is in a class all its own. A combination of Weimar-era cabaret and goth tinged rock, The Dresden Doll’s campy quirkiness is something that has to be experienced in order to be truly appreciated. Amanda Palmer’s blitzing piano and tragic-comic lyrics merge effortlessly with Brian Viglione’s frenzied drumming. The duo have an amazing chemistry that across on stage and off. The songs on Yes Virginia paint portraits of a life stripped of illusion and plagued by insecurity. The provocative “Delilah” weaves the tale of an abusive relationship. The vicious lyrics of “Backstabber” need no explanation and the blackly comedic Kurt Weill inspired chord progressions of “My Alcoholic Friend” and “Necessary Evil” are softened by the all-pleasing ballad “Sing”. The artistic booklet that accompanies this disc solidifies the interactive band/artist coalition. Culled from over 60 submissions by fans the booklet features song inspired art work. All in all, Yes Virginia is a no-holds-barred offering that is altogether perverse, emotional, honest, and beautiful. -NIN
Edgewater – We’re Not Robots
(Forevergreen
Records)
1/2
We’re Not Robots packs a pleasant punch. It’s Edgewater’s 4th release - the last three were on Wind Up. The band and Wind Up parted ways because the label suggested Edgewater change its sound because ‘Rock is dead’. Thankfully the Dallas-based group didn’t allow themselves to become tools or we wouldn’t have this fine piece of work. This story is revealed in the angst ridden “Rock is Dead” - a statement of defiance and refusal to compromise. Vocalist Matt Moseman channels Maynard James Keenan in “Get It Right”. Energy pours like water in “Caught in the Moment”. Crazy time signatures, strong melodies, and powerful lyrics are displayed in “Engage,” “S.O.B.,” and “Digging for Sounds”. Edgewater’s musicianship and song writing ability is apparent all throughout We’re Not Robots. This band has really got potential. Glad they didn’t compromise. -NIN
Evans Blue – The Melody And The
Energetic Nature of Volume (Pocket/Hollywood)
3/4
The members of Evans Blue are skilled musicians whose sound is reminiscent of Staind, Taproot, and Braking Benjamin. There is a lot going on musically in The Melody And The Energetic Nature of Volume, as each instrument blends with the other in perfect synchronization. Matisyn’s deep, meaningful lyrics are delivered with authority and touch upon universal topics of love, passion, betrayal, denial, loss, pain, and hatred. Despite the band’s strong chemical bond the album seems to float on an even keel. Evans Blue undoubtedly possesses the ability to become the next up and coming hit makers. However, they have to be willing to take more risks. -NIN
Fergie – The Dutchess
(will.i.am)
1/2
On The Dutchess (I know it’s spelled incorrectly) Fergie delivers the goods with this jammin’ collection of party hoppin’ beats and nice down tempo jams that showcase the diva’s vocal range. Fergie’s solo debut is the first release for fellow Peas imprint, will.i.am. records. The album was produced by will and features a guest appearance by will in addition to Ludacris and Rita Marley to name a few. The Dutchess starts strong with the booty shakin’ “Fergalicious,” which borrows a wicked groove from JJ Fad’s “Supersonic”. “Clumsy” is another one destined for the dance floor. Then of course, there is “London Bridge” with its infectious chorus. Many critics bagged on the Peas’ “My Humps,” but it went on to be a huge hit and so will LB. “Pedestal” evokes the London Bridge nursery rhyme. Only in this case it’s “Your pedestal is falling down,” and what follows is a thick R&B groove laced with lots of attitude. “Glamorous” (featuring Ludacris) calls to mind Pussycat Dolls, but Fergie does it so much better. Our girl whips out some old skool disco funk on “Here I Come” and gets little bit country on “Big Girls Don’t Cry”. Rita Marley lends her pipes on the reggae meets ska ditty “Mary Jane Shoes,” and the Flamenco accent of “Losing My Ground” is a nice touch. The album ends with “Finally”. The piece sounds too much like a sappy Broadway show tune and would have been better saved for a “B” side. One thing is certain – The Dutchess dispels any doubts that Fergie is just a ‘cheerleader’. The girl has a lovely voice and a diverse range. Yes, I’ll admit, the lyrics don’t delve very deep and not every track is stellar, but you have to give her credit for variety. The clever use of familiar samples and riffs paired with pop music classics and elements of Hip-hop, ska, and salsa make this album enjoyable. -NIN
The Flairs – Shut Up and Dance
(Pacific/Warner Music Canada)
1/2
This energetic foursome from Vancouver dish out caffeine free punk tunes geared for the Hot Topic crowd. The Flairs music is catchy and there are plenty of pop hooks to dazzle the kiddies with. However, the downer is Dawn Mandarino’s voice. It’s too cutesy and girlie for the band’s harder edge style. For instance, their cover of “18 & Life” leaves a lot to be desired. Mainly because it lacks the conviction that Sebastian infused into the original. Mandarino’s voice is too happy to be singing about such a sensitive subject. In fact, it’s too sweet to even deliver tales of heartache and woe. Toughen it up a bit and maybe we’ll believe you. Hell, even Avril managed to fool the kids. -NIN
Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics
(Warner Bros.)
Now this is a weird one. I know that I'm in the minority when I say I didn’t flat out adore the Lips’ last album. Sure Yoshi battled the Pink Robots and she did it whilst wearing some stunning colors, but essentially I'm a "rock" guy. I yearned to hear the grunge of ‘In A Priest Driven Ambulance’, or better yet, my fave ‘Transmissions From The Satellite Heart,’ so my ears pricked upon hearing internet chatter of a return to noisy guitardom. Unfortunately, instead of rocking out again the band have actually become even weirder. On one hand that’s great. I mean we need less "formula" in music. We need bands that are not afraid to take chances, and these guys have never been afraid of doing that. On the other hand, after taking a drive down all its many roads and highways instead of feeling complete I’ll admit I feel pretty lost. The whole album is such a grab bag of ideas and experimentation that it’s hard to find any cohesion. Things start off promisingly. The "Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" WILL stick in your head after only a couple of spins and, yep, you’ll be singing it to yourself as you buy your cookies/wash your car (delete as appropriate). The next track though…ugh…"Free Radicals" is horrible. I wouldn’t even have put it on a B-side as it just feels SO disposable. Wayne I think you're great but you need a public flogging for rhyming radical with fanatical. I know the Black Eyed Peas get away with that “My Humps” crap, but from you sir I expect better. Later on we stack silver boot heavily into Parliament style psycho funk and later still with the somewhat obligatory Floydisms of "Pompeii am Gotterdammarung". This song is a definite standout in which fellow Lips founder Steve Drodz takes the lead mic and takes it well.
My saving grace for this album was iTunes. I swear it’s the only way to travel with this record. Fire up your iTunes and hit the crazy psychedelic visualizer - it’s a match made in heaven. You will think you are so high you’ll want to test your own pee to be sure [lol -ed.].
Anyway, as with other Lips records I’ve owned, I really have no doubt that if I put the time in one starry night I’ll learn to love it and its idiosyncrasies but, honestly, right now I guess I’m looking for more immediate gratification. Maybe this will be one of those "difficult" albums in the band’s career. Only time will tell. Perhaps the next one will be less disco jam and more focused. I only hope so. At War With The Mystics is not a record I hate, but I think I just expected more. I’m not writing them off just yet. The Flaming Lips have contributed so much awesome music over their 20 (gulp) some odd years that it will take more than one so so piece of work for me to do that.
As a post script to this review I highly recommend (fan or not) that you check out the Lips documentary film ‘Fearless Freaks.’ I caught it recently on Sundance channel and think it’s up there with Wilco’s sublime ‘I am Trying to Break Your Heart’ and, therefore, well worth investing a couple of hours as a way of getting to the roots of what makes this thankfully unique musical force tick. -Glenurse