Bite Me! CD Reviews A - F

Arma Secreta – A Century’s Remains (rthmtc) 1/4

Arma Secreta has a bit of a back story (paraphrased from their bio) - not too long after this trio formed in Memphis, one of their members was diagnosed with cancer.  After recuperation, they decided not to play another live show again until their record was completed.  So, here it is A Century’s Remains.  Modern, post-punk rhythms dominate with an emo lyrical twist.  Thank goodness that they rock hard though.  For all those math-rock jocks who dig on extended occasionally repetitive bass/guitar jams in your songs, you’ll like Arma Secreta.  Fave pick: “The Instrumental”, “Undressing Underwater”.  -J

The Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound – Ekranoplan (Tee Pee Records) ** 1/2

The Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound lay down jams that are about as lengthy as their moniker.  This three piece psychedelic rock band often incorporates a revolving cast of musicians on stage.  The variety adds lots of directional twists, which would most likely benefit them in the studio as well.  Even though most tracks are under 4 minutes the songs tend to drag, as the band doesn’t seem to know when to stop or perhaps they are not as adept when it comes to structure (vocals would also help).  Ekranoplan falls somewhere along the lines of the Doors, Pink Floyd, and Blue Cheer.  As far as jam bands go these guys are pretty cool.  Sit back, smoke a big fatty, and enjoy.  -NIN 

Beck – The Information (Interscope)

Hi, my name is J and I am a Beck addict.  Well, I am in recovery now, but I used to be.  See, this CD The Information came out and had so much promise.  An amazing packaging ploy with stickers, 2 CD’s, wow!!  However, the object of my addiction spent way more time on the sizzle than the steak.  The tracks on The Information seem to rehash and recycle the songs off of Guero and many of his previous releases, making everything sound suspiciously like you’ve heard it before.  So, bye Beck.  I only need six steps to get out of this one.  Actually, only one – the lead off single “Cellphone’s Dead” made me get the monkey off my back immediately.  What were you thinking?  -J

Bloody & The Transfusions (Black & Blue Records) 0

This sorry excuse for a punk-bar-rock record is Bloody awful, and I need a Transfusion to rid my body of this shit.  -Repojay

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – Strength and Loyalty (Interscope/Fullsruface)

Simply put, Strength and Loyalty is a great fuckin’ record and perhaps Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s best to date.  After five years the genre defying rap pioneers (minus Bizzy Bone) made a return to a major label.  With the aid of producer Swizz Beats BTNH spawned a brilliant album that flows from beginning to end.  This diverse compilation starts with the unforgettable “Wind Blow,” which samples Fleetwood Macs “The Chain”. “I Tried,” featuring Akon, is a powerful soul searching tune.  “Lil L.O.V.E.” starring Mariah Carey & Bow Wow is another sure fire hit. “Streets” produced by will.i.am and featuring the Game also exudes greatness. Yolanda Adams soulful voice powers the emotionally inspirational gospel piece titled “Order My Steps (Dear Lord)”.  “Flow Motion” is destined to be a chart topper, and the rapid fire delivery of “9mm” is proof that these tunes don’t lack lyrical prowess.  Truth be told, there is not a bad track on here.  Strength and Loyalty is an album that will easily be embraced by the rap world as well as the rock world and will undoubtedly subject the group to a whole new generation of fans.  It’s a classic that will remain significant for a long time to come.   -NIN

The Bravery – The Sun And The Moon (Island Records) 3/4

Somehow The Bravey has managed to surpass the sophomore slump.  Could it be that all those months on the road turned them into seasoned musicians?  The NYC boys’ brand of indie pop has evolved, as The Sun and The Moon is a musical exploration of styles ranging from the Motown-esque “Angelina” to the campy “Bad Sun”.  Listeners will be intrigued by the swirling melodies of the radio friendly “Time Won’t Let Me Go,” and will truly appreciate the acoustic beauty that is “Tragedy Bound”.  Space age keys and outer space textures light up “Fistful of Sand”.  The arena rock drums of “Split Me Wide Open” bring back memories of the 80’s, as does the new romantic musings of “Believe”.  The album comes to a close with the majestic “The Ocean,” which features an acoustic string quartet.  All in all, the catchy melodies and abundance of hooks make The Sun And The Moon a must have for summer listening.  -NIN

Burning Brides – Hang Love (Modart) 3/4

Burning Brides’ Hang Love is an interesting record.  One minute the group is channeling Queens of the Stone Age the next minute The Beatles.  The L.A. based trio, via Philly, mixes their keen sense of pop melodies with a hard rock aesthetic.  Vets of the major label scene, Burning Brides decided to release Hang Love on their own and even contributed a tune to the Guitar Hero video game. The songs are delivered with a passion and tell the tales of reflection, heartache, and hope.  Hang Love begins with “Ring Around the Rosary,” which calls to mind grunge ala early Soundgarden.  “Poor House” follows STP’s signature formula.  “Unglued,” which was allegedly inspired by Karen O, is reminiscent of Coldplay, while “And I’m Free” ends the album on a poppy note.  -NIN 

Busta Rhymes – The Big Bang (Flipmode/Aftermath) 3/4

Busta has been a moving force in hip-hop for years, however, his name is never one of the first mentioned in the hip-hop pantheon.  In fact, he hadn’t released a new solo CD in four years prior to The Big Bang.  After he was signed to Clive Davis’ J records a few years back, things didn’t pan out so great for his last CD.  Somehow, Busta hooked up with Dre, and is now signed to Aftermath.  Seems Dre’s machine has done well for Busta with hit singles off this CD and great relationships with radio, promotion, and others.  As far as the music goes – IMHO there are too many guests and not enough Busta.  The Big Bang features a who’s who of hip-hop – Dre producing, Missy Elliot, Nas, Rick James right before his untimely death, Q-Tip, Stevie Wonder, Swizz Beatz,and MORE guest. The Big Bang is one of Busta’s most mature releases, but it’s not enough for me – feels almost like a marketing ploy instead of a labor of talent/love.  Club hits, mature songs, yeah, they’re all here but it’s just not that compelling.  –J

Comeback Kid - Broadcasting... (Victory Records)

If by calling their record Broadcasting, Comeback Kid was aiming for a bigger audience on their third record, they've certainly missed the mark.  Even within the hardcore screamo genre they are clearly in they are virtually a one note band - or should I say one scream band.  It would be nice if someone actually broke new ground in a now 30 year old genre, but this quartet ain't gonna be it.  On the track "Market Demands," the band talks about making compromises in a snide "we're not gonna do it" way.  Well, maybe they should because perhaps then they might actually differentiate themselves from the countless other bands.  They may also become good.  -Repojay

The Condors – Wait For It (Outsider 2) 3/4

If your sick of all the cookie cutter bullshit and uninspiring pabulum then treat yourself to a massive dose of The Condors’ Wait For It.  Playing music from the heart the power-pop rock quartet march to the beat of their own drum; thus, eschewing all fads and trends aside.  The albums cleverly crafted cover is supported by equally clever tunes.  Sporting references from the L.A. music scene the albums tracks take you through a day in the life.  Fueled by solid musicianship and witty lyrics, these upbeat rockers leave you feeling without a care in the world.  Handclaps are the focal point in the incredibly catchy “Kiss That Girl Away”.  The meaty guitar solo of “Something Better Coming Soon” proves that these guys are not amateurs.  Ya gotta love a song that is titled “Don’t Want A Girl Who’s Been With Jack”.  It’s the quintessential Hollywood tune.  The anthemic chorus of “She’s Not the Girl for Me” can easily be changed to “He’s Not the Guy for Me”.  And, like any good album should Wait For It ends on a high note with “Wake Up”.  The alum’s pitch perfect rock anthems and retro style are a refreshing change.  Wait For It is the perfect remedy for a bad day.  It’s hard to be blue while listening to these tunes.  -NIN

Cult of Sue Todd - Kelsey Grammer Loves Us

Sue Todd is apparently a mythical dead songwriter who drives the tunes behind this group channeled thru group mastermind Steve Perry.  However, the journey (get it?) this band takes is very rooted in nothing more than cult notoriety.  The odd instrumentations suggest a much rawer, odder lo-fi version of recent faves like The Decemberists and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.  If this Sue Todd character is meant to be the driving force of the group, perhaps it's better that she's dead.  "Her" songs just don't rise to the level of engagement that is found in these other groups.  This record is interesting enough to be a curiosity, but not really strong enough to join the cult.  So, I faithfully will go my separate ways with this disc.  (Still don't get it?)   -Repojay

Danzig – The Lost Tracks of Danzig

The Lost Tracks of Danzig is a double rarities album where the tracks should have remained lost in the first place.  Hah, these things just write themselves, don't they?  Well, for those that want more than a zingy one-liner this record contains 2 hours of bad songs, shitty mixes, lame vocals, and mistaken detours(an acoustic song? really?).  Sometimes they even put more than one of each in a particular song.  Often these rarities sets are for die hard fans only, and this one is certainly filed in that category.  -Repojay

Earthless - Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky (Tee Pee Records) 1/2

The lead track (Godspeed) begins with a 3 minute guitar solo before kicking in to one big ole long stoner jam session. 13 minutes later the boys are still going, and going, and going…this tune is 20 mins 15 seconds long.  Come on guys couldn’t you pull off another 45 seconds and make it 21 minutes.  GOSH!  The other two tracks are just as long.  Repetitive in nature, Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky is a 48 minute cosmic jam session.  Featuring Mario Rubalcaba from Rocket From The Crypt, Earthless is one of those bands whose music is best enjoyed while imbibing exotic substances.  -NIN

Eyes to Space – From The Bureau of Robotic Affairs (Solarium Records)

Described as a robot party dance band Eyes to Space’s latest release had promise.  However, their idea of dance and my idea are night and day.  The eclectic group’s sound is a diverse mixture of prog and geek rock, pop, and a little bit of new wave and 70’s glam thrown in for kicks.  It’s interesting in a Devo/Man or Astroman sort of way and, I suppose, if given enough time it may even grow on you.  However, with the ever increasing pile of CD’s coming through my door I just don’t have that much time.  On the other hand, if time is on your side then listen closely to From The Bureau of Robotic Affairs and you’ll hear odd little tidbits that suggest an underlying darkness.  Catchy rhythms reminiscent of 60’s pop and bouncy synths are also sprinkled throughout.  This artsy band exudes fun, and they seem to enjoy what they do.  Who knows…their peculiar hypnotic arrangements may even appeal to the nerd in you.  -NIN

Feature Presentation – To You The Past And The Questions Left Unanswered (One Iron Records)

The guys in Feature Presentation used to promote their shows by putting flyers in the pockets of pants that were on sale at their local JC Penny.  You have to admire their creativity.  Even though the Illinois group’s roots are planted firmly in melodic punk they also manage to weave in aspects of metal by way of staccato drums, blistering guitars, abrupt tempo changes, and the occasional guttural growl.  This feel good record kicks off with “Matt’s Song,” which starts out as a ballad then embarks on a musical journey that ends in a flurry of grinding funk, muddy guitars, and meaty percussion.  This track is a clear display of the member’s eclectic range of influences.  Other testimonials come by way of the radio friendly “February” and the pop rockin’ “I Wonder”.  Josh’s vocals are another bonus - beautiful one moment and brutal the next.  Given the opportunity, Feature Presentation will take you by storm.  The band’s searing debut To You The Past And The Questions Left Unanswered combines raw energy with solid musicianship and delivers well crafted tunes with memorable hooks.  -NIN

The Feeling – Twelve Stops And Home (Cherry Tree Records) 3/4

Twelve Stops And Home is one of those overly happy albums that make you want to puke.  The U.K. soft rockers’ three part harmonies and bright airy melodies hark back to the days of artist like Elton John, Supertramp, ELO, and the Beach Boys.  The Feeling’s Twelve Stops And Home starts with a memorable mid-tempo ballad title “Sewn”.  From there the no-nonsense hook-laden pop gems take you from the infectious energy of “I Want You Now” to the radiant riffs of “Fill My Little World”.  Twelve Stops And Home is a light-hearted release that will make you appreciate life’s little pleasures.  -NIN

The Fratellis – Costello Music (Interscope)

I’m a little late to tout the praises of this release but, hey, there still might be someone out there who has not discovered the wonder that is The Fratellis.  It was love, love, love from the minute I heard the retro band with a glam edge.  The Glasgow natives pay homage to the Ramones by adopting the surname Fratelli.  Fueled by buoyant melodies, Costello Music is a brilliant album influenced by the past and inspired by a new style.  Each of these fun-lovin’ sing-a-long gems are fueled by Jon Fratellis’ gift for story-telling.  Wood blocks help create “Flathead’s” hip shaking rhythms.  The boys channel Flogging Molly on “The Gutterati?”.  Handclaps and glam pop swagger of “Chelsea Dagger” make this tune hard to resist.  With its catchy riffs, gutsy lyrics, and charisma up the wazoo The Fratellis’ Costello Music is hard to ignore.  -NIN

Freya - Lift The Curse (Victory Records)

Freya is supposedly the Norse goddess of love and fertility.  Well, if one is supposed to fuck to this record they'd better do it quick as it clocks in at a measly half hour.  Formed from the ashes of Earth Crisis, this chunky metal group delivers a wallop in that short time frame – with 10 tracks of driving metal that doesn't let up.  It's a shame that 25% of the album’s time is actually devoted to a cover.  However, they do justice to Sabbath's "War Pigs" and, by placing it at the end, me thinks that if you were fucking to this record you'd have no problem conjuring up that fertility goddess by the end of "War Pigs" no matter what your stamina is.  -Repojay