Bite Me! CD Reviews A - F

Agents of The Sun - Monarchs Of A Fallen Society (DCide Records)

Agents of the Sun is not your typical progressive hard rock band.  Their music isn’t geeky, nor is it overly technical.  In fact, the tunes fall somewhere in between.  The Baltimore based quartet dishes out a nice mix of structured, melodic post hardcore.  Each track on Monarchs Of A Fallen Society mixes intricately orchestrated guitars with melodic bass lines and signature vocal harmonies.  The band’s use of catchy riffs and twin guitar melodies make for a very radio friendly offering.   –NIN

Agent Sparks – Not So Merry (Immortal) 3/4

Not So Merry begins with the bouncy punk inspired anthem “It’s Not My Time” in which vocalist Ben Einziger proclaims “It’s not my time to die.”  This catchy little number is followed by the surf edge and raw rock stylings of “Mr. Insecurity”.  Not to be outdone is “Camouflage” – a catchy number that is reminiscent of The Violent Femmes.   Agent Sparks is barely a year old and yet their music is as seasoned as fine wine.  This five song EP was produced by Ben’s brother Mike Einziger (Incubus).  Ben shares vocal duties with Stephanie Eitel (who was featured on Weezer’s “Beverly Hills”).  The balance between the two is somewhat like that between Fred Schneider & Kate Pierson (B52’s).   Ben’s younger brother Paul Fried (bass) and George Purviance (drums) also round out this energetic unit.  Agent Sparks will be releasing a full length in 2006. If it’s anything like this EP it will be worth its price. -NIN

All American Rejects – Move Along (Interscope/Doghouse) ¾

The sophomore CD from All American Rejects is not as relentlessly poppy as their debut.  Move Along shows their songwriting has matured, and life has taken a toll on it.  The lead off song “Dirty Little Secret” starts us off much in the vein of their debut, but soon we get more inside All American Rejects’ heads with the power ballad “It Ends Tonight”.  Consistent musicianship and that sing along quality makes for another solid and enjoyable CD to hum along slightly embarrassed to in your car.  AAR is absolutely a guilty pleasure of mine.  -J

A Wilhelm Scream – Ruiner (Nitro) 1/2

The technical instrumentation at the beginning of the lead track (“The King Is Dead”) will make you wonder, “Is A Wilhelm Scream a guitar wanker band?”  Redemption comes seconds later when the pummeling beats kick in and you find yourself breathing a sigh of relief.  What you have here is grade A musicianship.  The band’s intricate and precise instrumentation is amazing.  But, what is even more amazing is the fact that they manage to do it without coming off as wankers.  Ruiner explodes with an unbridled passion and loads of energy.  The band’s unorthodox mixture of punk, metal, and melody results in an album that is chaotic yet precise.  The breakneck tempos along with the crystal clear harmonics and self-probing lyrics will make you stand up and take notice.  Song titles such as “The Kids Can Eat A Bag of Dicks” indicates that you don’t want to get on their bad side.  But, it’s all in good fun because “Less Bright Eyes More Deicide” alludes to the bands wicked sense of humor.  All in all, Ruiner calls to mind Good Riddance and Hot Water Music.  It’s smart melodic punk rock that isn’t sappy or nerdy.  -NIN

Audioslave – Out Of Exile (Interscope/Epic) 1/4

Audioslave’s Out Of Exile starts out strong with “Your Time Has Come”.  What is even more compelling about this disc are Tom Morello’s riffs.  Talk about crunk.  Is he even fully aware of the depth of his talents?  But, a band cannot live on guitar alone (just ask Eddie Van Halen).  It’s the entire group that makes the machine run well, and as a group Audioslave is a powerful unit.  Admittedly, Cornell has seen better days, but his voice is less whiney this time around.  It also has a bit of a rusty edge to it, which gives the songs that rock n’ roll touch.  As a whole, the band seems to be more at home on Out of Exile.  The album has a much smoother flow than their self-titled debut, which is evident in the soothing grooves of “Out of Exile” and the easy-going rhythms of “Doesn’t Remind Me.”  No worries, it’s not all adult oriented rock.  Songs like “Heaven’s Dead” and “Dandelion” pack a solid punch.  -NIN

Black Eyed Peas – Monkey Business (A&M)

Following hot on the heels of the wildly successful ‘Elephunk’ comes Black Eyed Peas’ Monkey Business.  Much like its predecessor, the record eschews all boundaries and inhibitions.  This energetic party album—filled with loose rhymes, layered grooves, and anthemic funk—starts with Dick Dale’s classic “Misirlou” surf guitar riff, which gives way into the utterly contagious “Pump It”.  Handclaps are the prelude to the eastern mysticism of “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” and, speaking of funk, the funk really flies on “My Humps”.  This fun tongue & cheek duet between Fergie and Will.i.am is one of my fav-o-rite tracks.  It’s a bit sophomoric, but if you’re a little princess you’ll get a kick out of it.  On the other end of the spectrum, Fergie’s voice is simply beautiful on “Don’t Lie”.  The party shifts into full gear with the booty shaking beats of “Dum Diddly,” “Feel It,” and “Bepot”.  There are also lots of high-profile guests to be found.  Justin Timberlake is back on board for “My Style”.  Sting makes a cameo on “Union,” and James Brown takes things up a notch on “They Don’t Want Music”.   Fifteen tracks total and not a lull to be found.  As crazy as it seems, Monkey Business reflects a more sophisticated style of songwriting.  Sure they borrow a little from here and there, but so does Diddy.  The difference is that the Peas aren’t quite so blatant.  And besides, the world could use more positive hip-hop.  Without out a doubt, Monkey Business is a great pop record.  -NIN

Bullet Train To Vegas – We Put Scissors Where Our Mouths Are (Nitro Records) 3/4

This rowdy bunch makes some serious noise on We Put Scissors Where Our Mouths Are. Bullet Train To Vegas’ mixture of punk and indie rock is bound together by a fusion of frenzied guitars and howling vocals that are capable of waking the dead.  There’s lots of distortion mixed in with the crisp guitar riffs, but it’s the band’s urgent delivery that defines their hunger.  It’s fast, furious, and aggressive, which is why these guys are able to fly through 11 tracks in about 30 mins.  This collection of tight, competent well-produced tracks will pummel you into submission.   -NIN

The Casualties – En La Linea Del Frente (Side One Dummy) 3/4

En La Linea Del Frente features the fast and furious sounds of The Casualties brought to you ala Español.  This brash and brutal offering is the Spanish version of the group’s previous release On The Front Line.  However, you don’t have to speak Spanish to enjoy this record. There are plenty of manic beats to get your aggressions out with.  The lyrical delivery is mighty fast, so I doubt you’ll learn while you listen.  But hey, you never know.  If you already own On The Front Line, you’ll want to pick up a copy of En La Linea Del Frente.  The enhanced CD features a video as well as a bonus track about punk rockers in Latin America and new artwork.  Several members of the band are of Latin decent, so you know this isn’t a publicity stunt.  In fact, this album rocks just as hard if not harder. It’s pure punk rock from the streets delivered at breakneck speeds.  And who knows, one day it could be a collectors item. -NIN   

CKY – An Answer Can Be Found (Island) 3/4

Damn! CKY, what happened?  On An Answer Can Be Found we find that the group’s sound has changed as the CKY boys' further attempt to distance themselves from the early days of their skate videos.  The band’s fourth release leans more towards the metal and less on the punk.  The album is more along the stoner metal vein, and it may or may not sit well with the Queens Of The Stone Age crowd.  The distinct guitar sound is still present, as is the complex melodic riffage.  However, it is the first time they’ve ever used soaring guitar solos.  The growling vocals on “Sniped” are reminiscent of death metal, while the epic “Tripled Manic State” leans heavy on the thrash.  Overall, nothing really stands out because in the end An Answer Can Be Found is just a no frills rock record. -NIN

The Cloud Room (Gigantic Music) 1/2

Alt fans lend an ear. The Cloud Room are serving up legitimate Alternative rock straight from its heyday.  This New York City band leaves no doubt as to where their roots lie.  The sound is straight from NYC with herky jerky beats that such current bands as the Strokes employ.  You’ll also hear touches of new wave synth and a deadpan vocal style.  Unlike many of the newer bands that are seeking a classic alternative sound, the Cloud Room doesn't choose to record low- fi and primitive.  Instead, the band captures atmospheric textures, which is evident on songs such as "The Hunger".  Fans liking a simple hook or strong melody will be pleased to know that the band adds such elements routinely amongst the quirkier verses.  Overall, the CD is quite consistent throughout.  Check them out on tour this summer. -BLava

Copeland – In Motion (Militia)

Copeland’s In Motion started out strong but quickly went downhill.  If you like lots of pretty and melodic poppy beats you’ll find this disc to be a treat.  However, for me, the candy coating was too much - so much so that I couldn’t make it through to disc two. However, on a positive note, the orchestral and piano accompaniments do add to the atmospheric blend of the musical elements.  Disco rhythms accent “Choose the One Who Loves You More”.  “Kite” is very reminiscent of Queen, and “Don’t Slow Down” is just a sappy love song.  In fact, vocalist Aaron Marsh seems to be obsessed with love.  The emotions associated with love fill his lyrics, whether it’s a reflection of past experiences or the promise of a hopeful future.  By the end it just gets to be too much.  Copeland’s In Motion is recommended for fans of Ben Folds Five and Cool Hand Luke.  -NIN

D.E.K. – Wattatata (Finger Records)

They may be young (their ages range from 15 to 17), but these teens are serious about their music.  Wattatata is D.E.K.’s—which stands for Don’t Even Know—second album, and the topics on this disc range from girls, boredom, to parents not understanding.  Hailing from Seattle these high-spirited teens sport flamboyant 70’s attire that reflects their motto that cool tunes deserve cool threads.  The group features Mark Vraney, son of Mike Vraney, who managed Dead Kennedy’s & T.S.O.L., so of course punk is in this band’s veins.  The music is your standard modern 80’s era three chord punk fare, but it is played with impressive sophistication.  D.E.K.’s press kit is huge and features individual DVD’s for select songs.  You get to see the boys dress in gorilla suits for “Killer Gorilla” and partake in an underage co-ed pillow fight for “Pajama Party”.  (I’m sure they are going to cringe over this in a few years.)  It’s nice to see that these ambitious youngsters are serious about their music, and their parents are supportive.  However, if their grades fall below a B they have to call it quits.  Ah, come on mom and dad don’t you know that plenty of famous musicians are high school drop outs.  -NIN

Disciple (S/R/E)

This power house rock band features four good ole boys from Tennessee.  Disciple has been going at it since high-school, and 10 years later they are coming into their own.  It’s obvious that these boys work well together.  With six albums already under their belt the maturity is apparent on their latest self-titled effort.  These contemporary hard rock artists fuse their explicit Christian message with aggressive, well-constructed tunes.  Disciple has a knack for marrying heavy guitar riffs with passionate vocals and strong choruses.  This style is especially evident in “Worth It All”.  This same methodology is employed on a majority of the album and works rather well.  For proof, check out the slamming “Shine Down” and the rebellious “Falling Over”.  It’s good to know that Disciple is not dishing out the average pussy Christian rock.  These boys are persistent and their commitment to their fans runs as deep as their commitment to the almighty power.  -NIN

Down to Earth Approach – Another Intervention (Vagrant/Earshot Media) ¼

Is there such a thing as “crunchy emo”?  Well, if not, there is now and Down to Earth Approach is the poster band for the non-existent movement (or existent, if it actually exists.  But that’s another discussion.  Preferably over margaritas.)  Whilst keeping the melodicism, there’s more punk rock “crunch” feel to the songs on Another Intervention.  No shoe gazing here.  Although their hearts are still firmly represented on their sleeve on this CD, fear not the emo.  –J

Dredge – Catch Without Arms (Interscope) 3/4

Once again Dredge has put out a very mature album.  Not only is Catch Without Arms experimental in nature, but it is also precise and perfect in execution.  It’s a bold album with lots of strength and beauty and there are plenty of intricate melodies and strategically placed time changes to be found.  Like past releases, Catch Without Arms has a conceptual flow; however, the songs themselves are a bit more accessible, but still progressive and deep.  For instance, “Sang Real” is characterized by Moby inspired pianos, soaring melodies, and electronic trip hop beats, while the epic “Zebraskin” reflects the band’s ability to think outside the box and away from mainstream.  The contemporary Brit-pop musings of “Planting Seeds” brings up two conflicting points of view and “Ode to the Sun” and “Bug Eyes” showcase the band’s effective melodies and rhythmic steadiness.  Without a doubt, Dredge is a progressive thinking mans band.  It is evident that these guys have a deep sense of who they are and where they want to go musically.  -NIN

Editors - The Back Room (Kitchenware)

A lot of bands are doing their best (or worst) to revive a wave of new miserabalism right now.  Some end up sounding like an exact clone of early pioneers Joy Division, and thus disappear quickly with nothing to add, whilst others present real evidence of a staying power within them.  Of the recent groups forging a career from moody atmospherics and dark writing, NY’s Interpol has been by far the most successful, and with good reason.   They took the unstable dance formula, stripped some of the murk, updated it with sexy guitar harmonics and in turn eventually found their own sound.  Now, from Birmingham in the UK (Birthplace of Black Sabbath, fact fans) I present a young quartet that you will hear a lot about very soon. [Editors, please note there’s no ‘The’ at the beginning of this band, just Editors please.] [O.K.  –the ed.] With In The Back Room, the band have given birth to an exciting debut chock full of sinister anthems and driving epics.  The coolest thing about this record is that for the majority, at least, there is clearly an audible enthusiasm to the tracks.  The melodies are bright and exciting - check out "Bullets" for instance, and the songs are performed with a real passion for the work, just listen to the menacing choruses of "Munich" or another standout "Camera" for proof of that.  Sure it’s easy to find the sneer of the two Ians (Curtis and MacCuloch) in the vocal style of Tom Smith, but this is by no means a "sullen" record.  This record shines, helped along by guitars that jangle then soar like the early work of The Edge.  The good news is, rarely will it let you down and on repeated listens it just keeps growing.  Simply put, if Interpol's ‘Antics’ left you craving for more then prepare to smile because…congratulations you've just found a new friend.  -Glen

Embrace – Out Of Nothing (Lava) 3/4

This anthemic rock group from Northern England dishes out a heaping load of sweeping melodies on their Out Of Nothing release.  After just one listen it is pretty obvious where Embrace’s influences lie.  “Ashes” brings back faint memories of The Cranberries.  There is a bit of a Coldplay feel on “Gravity”…oh wait…no wonder…Chris Martin wrote it.  Emotionally charged lyrics and dramatic production are displayed on the Oasis inspired “Someday”.  “Glorious Day” is an uplifting piece, and we find Danny McNamara delivering another heartfelt message in “Wish ‘Em All Away”.  This panoramic disc ends with the sweeping title track, which will take you back to the days of Pink Floyd.   Embrace’s Out Of Nothing is not quite original, but it’s catchy.  -NIN

Flipsyde – We The People (Cherrytree/Interscope)

Flipsyde serves up a tasty dose of a harmonious mix of styles on their hard rockin’ hip-hop release, We The People.  Flipsyde is not your conventional metal hop band.  Instead of drums they have a DJ and utilize acoustic guitars in addition to electric.  The lyrics are thought provoking and convey a deep message and the guitar work is beautifully intricate.  Latin flavored guitar flourishes can he heard all throughout and characterize the band’s distinct sound. (Check out the Santana inspired intro of “Revolutionary Beat”) Steve’s emotive vocals are matched by Piper’s stinging rhymes and the group’s precise rhythms.  His deep social commentary is delivered via catchy hooks.  The band’s dedication to unity and political awareness is also evident in the album’s title.  The beauty is that these guys are political without shoving it down your throat.   -NIN

Foo Fighters - In Your Honor (RCA)

According to perpetual gum chewing Foo's main man Dave Grohl, half of the band's last album "sucked cock!"  It’s true that his moonlighting fling with QOTSA before its release seemed to heavily influence the often meandering tracks of ‘One by One’.  Excursions into stoner riffs and quiet middle sections hid a lot of the bands brightness and urgency.  Some of it was great - some not so great.  Indeed it left many wondering, “What’s next?”   Well how about this, a double album set in the best tradition of those classic rock days of old - not a concept album, but rather a whole concept of Foo…two separate discs of two exact and distinct styles.  It was a brave move for Dave and crew to make a whole album of acoustic tracks, not acoustic versions, but actual heart on sleeve lullabies specifically written to be performed quietly.  In that case, for Foo fans whose love doesn’t begin and end with the unplugged "Everlong" the rock songs better be awesome.  Well guess what?  They are and then some.  What you get are ten barnstormers, which are quite possibly some of the heaviest shit the band has done yet.   From the screaming feedback of the opening title track to the distorted wall that closes the record, "End Over End," this disc is amps to 11 all the way.  Play it loud in the car or as you neck a few before going out at night.  In Your Honor is a distillation of the best of the Foo Fighters records so far.  Fans of the band will surely embrace it.  I know I did.  These are songs born to be played live and at Motorhead volume, as each one is straightforward and delivered in ballistic fashion.  However, they are far from mindless. Just check out "The Deepest Blues Are Black," which I swear has melodies that smack of something by Queen.  Better yet, the stick to your grey cells thrash of "The Last Song" or rolling bass dance of "Free Me".  The first single, "The Best," still reminds me of something used to sell razors through. 

After about forty minutes of Dave screaming in your ear at full pelt you need to slow things down, which is why disc two is so perfect.  This is morning-after music of the highest caliber - a complete change of vibe and pace.  The band has dabbled with the mellow before, just check out "Walking After You" from The Color and The Shape for proof.  Here the guys revel in it - resulting in possibly some of the best songs they have ever written.  Be sure to listen to the final song, "Razor," it sends chills, I swear.  Elsewhere you get Norah Jones singing back up on the mondo bizarro "Virginia Moon," or drummer Taylor Hawkins taking lead on the super cute "Cold Day In The Sun".  If you are surprised by that, forget about it, wait until you hear Led Friggin’ Zep's John Paul Jones playing mandolin on "Another Round".  It’s just awesome.  However, Dave has not forgotten his past though (how could he?), and the track "Friend of a Friend" (He's never been in love, He knows what love is, He said nevermind, And no-one speaks) surely has to be an ode to Kurt.  To hear it reworked here after having a bad quality demo all these years is a sure treat.  In short, if this album is indeed the rumored swansong by the band, then they can be assured that they will be able to look back with nothing but pride at this parting gift to rock music.  I hope it’s not though.  -Glen