|
Saxon - Killing Ground (SPV)
|
Schatzi - Death of the Alphabet EP (Mammoth)
"Schatzi,” - it means "sweetheart" in German; it fits this group. Schatzi's music is equal parts sweater pop and riff-heavy rock. Their sound combines Zeppelin's thunderous low-end with smart lyrics and energetic melodies. I haven't used this CD for target practice, yet, so I guess I liked it. -R-Lo
|
Sevendust (TVT)
I’ve
never fully appreciated Sevendust until I listened to their latest release
Animosity. Animosity, the
group’s third album to date, finds Sevendust growing and developing as
songwriters. The tunes that
make up this thirteen-track offering
incorporate more melody and harmony than past efforts without sacrificing
the band’s trademark heaviness and intense rhythms. The rapid-fire pentatonic riffs,
growling lower-register bass rumblings, and polyrhythmic drum patterns are
still intact. What’s
different is Lajon’s freedom to showcase his uncanny ability to belt out
lyrics with a resounding intensity or in a smooth, soulful manner. The album erupts with the
aggressive opener “Tits on a Boar” – a mighty tune that instantly explodes
into brutal slabs of rhythmic mayhem. The infectious guitar intro of
“Shine” gives way to an infectious drumbeat and is accentuated by Middle
Eastern tinges. The bowel
churning down-tuned riffs, courtesy of Connolly & Lowery, are all the
rage in “Crucified”. “X-mas
Day” is a richly melodic tune that showcases the band’s depth and Lajon’s
flexibility. This powerful
disc closes with “Angel’s Son,” a moving piece penned for deceased Snot
vocalist Lynn Strait in which the band’s heavy aggression is countered by
beautiful melodies and passionate vocals. |
|
Slipknot -
Iowa (RoadRunner)
Who would have thought that this little band from Iowa would go down in rock ‘n’ roll history as RoadRunner Records’ first platinum act? Iowa, the shock rockers follow up to their smashing self-titled debut, is ten times faster, heavier, and sicker than its predecessor. Okay, so it’s not your typical platinum album material. Can we expect Iowa to reach platinum status? It’s hard to say, as this unsettling album is strictly for diehard fans and any non-purist will surely be weeded out. Iowa is hard hittin’, angry, and confrontational -- fueled by hostile rhythms and snarling vocals. This disc brings on the aggression with pure vengeance beginning with the pulverizing “People = Shit,” a tune that questions pop-cultural self-contentment. Would you expect anything else from a group that refers to their loyal fans as maggots? Of course not. All in all, Iowa is an arsenal of blistering music that will leave you drained and hungry for more. Every song on this disc is dark, punishing, and charged with manic intensity. Slayer and Napalm Death even seem weak in comparison. -NIN |
Smash Mouth (Interscope)
Smash Mouth is an
enjoyable band. Their lyrics
could be downright depressing but you’d never know it because Harwell’s
winking delivery gives each song an irresistible charm. Smash Mouth’s eclectic third
effort is a guilty pleasure album that proves the |
Sons
of Otis (TMC)
I
never met Otis, but apparently based on listening to Songs For Worship,
his sons did not exactly think of him as Ward Cleaver. This album originally scheduled to
be released September 11, the darkest day in American history, is one of
the most dark pieces of music ever to enter my ears. Toronto’s Sons of Otis (Ken Baluke
on guitars and vocals, Frank Sargeant on bass and Ryan Aubin on drums)
create this sludge, drudge, blues based dark rock. It is probably fine for the genre
that it is; however, for me it only took up to an hour of my
time.
|
|
Spacewalkers
/ Cynyc Iconoclast
(Split CD) (Spacewalker Entertainment/Maelstrom PR)
This split CD features the creative talents of Spacewalkers and Cynyc. Spacewalkers is comprised of R. James and E.J., and together they create some tantalizing dance floor treats that will delight rave regulars everywhere. Their sound is a melding of trance, house, dance, drum & bass, and straight-up electronica with splashings of space age blips and bleeps that add a futuristic feel to the compositions. “Blue Shift” is by far Spacewalkers most creative and inventive piece, which proves that this inventive duo knows no boundaries.
Cynyc is the brainchild of Mike Peaslee. Cynyc’s sound is more experimental than traditional ambient-electronic offerings mainly because Peaslee throws in elements of synth-pop, techno, and a little drum & bass to liven things up. Vocals are also added to give the tunes a more personal feel and enhance the overall atmosphere of the compositions. Both groups are very talented and worth checking out. -NIN |
Bubba
Sparxxx (Interscope)
Even I couldn't escape the appeal of a fat hick chasing greased pigs in the ubiquitous video "Ugly" by Bubba Sparxxx. This TRL darling really set the world on fire with that song! So…wha' happened? Where's the follow-up single? Well, there are some pretty decent songs on Dark Days, Bright Nights, but nothing with the Sparxxx of "Ugly". I think I got the Walmart version of the CD, 'cuz Bubba's flow is interrupted with sound effects determined to erase any and all profanity. For all I know, that could be the production, tho. His flow sounds a lot like a poor man's version of Eminem's, when you get down to it. There's some other elements in this as well, some Prince, some R&B, even some flamenco guitar. In the words of Bubba - it's aiight. Other track to check out: "Lovely". -J
|
The
Spits (Nickel & Dime Records)
The production on this disc is muddy and the music falls into the standard three-chord punk riff category complete with rudimentary keyboard splashings and sardonic deadpan lyrics. The Spits – a Seattle based middle-aged trio who sport mohawks and a love for skateboarding – claim to be the new leaders of contemporary juvenile punk/new wave. What exactly does this mean? I don’t know. But if the idea of the Ramones meets the Screamers appeals to you than by all means become a Spits minion. -NIN |
|
Stretch
Armstrong (Solid State/Fly PR)
These guys have tried to put together one rocking hardcore meets punk on a street corner CD. The lyrics are great on A Revolution Transmission, it's just a shame I can't get past the mono-screaming of lead singer Chris McLane to hear them. These guys do remind me of early Rage Against the Machine. -J
|
Student
Rick
Let's go behind the barn and sit under the stars while we dream of the day we're old enough to leave this small town. Student Rick gives the listener a virginal look at the good old American dream. With lyrics that illustrate the passion and optimism of four Indiana youths, Soundtrack For A Generation is a collection of songs written from the heart of young America. “Falling For You” and “I Wish” are like tender, genuine affirmations of young love. The band sings about the only things that consume young minds: life, love, and looking ahead. What else it there at 18? These songs will take you back to a time when uncertainty was everything and nothing at the same time. Their voices are innocent, their guitar skills basic, and the lyrics yearn for unchastity, but they're off to a good start. These talented lads have a big future in the pop music genre. Oh, and don’t worry boys, if you’ve left your small town girlfriends back home, there are plenty of big city sluts that would love to eat you up out here. -CW |
Tilt (Fat Wreck Chords)
As faithful readers will know, I love Tilt. This, I don't even like. Been Where? Did What? is a release of demos, outtakes, and rarities. Most of these songs shouldn't have ever seen the light of day. I mean, "Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego"? "Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard"? What the hell? Who blackmailed who on this one? Most of the songs are very poppy, not reflective of the punk sensibilities and awesome lyrics Cinder Block & Co. usually possess. I'm just saddened that this great band recorded these missteps. Ugh. -J
|
|
Toys
That Kill
“2 Billion bastards” and an “ass mirror” make this CD fun, fun, fun! Toys That Kill is a direct spawn from the notorious 10-year-old brat-punk band of the South Bay, F. Y. P. Songs like “Playdough” and “Bang Bang Operator” seem to moon you as you listen to them. Their attitude is impudent, their style is rambunctious, and their vocals are raw and catchy. They're like a bunch of high school clowns claiming the phrase, “I'm in a band” just to get laid, and TTK's music that makes me wanna chicken fight in my bra. The Citizen Abortion is just immature enough to be entertaining. -CW |
Transatlantic - Bridge Across Forever (Metal Blade Records)
|
Transmatic (Immortal/Virgin)
Transmatic’s energetic disposition and emotional lyrics put them in the post-grunge category of such acts as Our Lady Peace and Oleander. The Indiana rock outfit’s self-titled offering is sharp with catchy pop tracks that are brought to life by inviting vocals and humble melodies. The above par production courtesy of Neal Avron further adds to the album’s overall appeal and highlight’s the band’s diverse range of influences. Transmatic is a solid effort that will fare well in adult alternative circles. -NIN
|
Thy Primordial - Under Iskall Troll Mane
(Gothic/WW3)
This is a re-issue of the Swedish band’s 1995 limited
debut on |
Triple
Word Score The
First In A Long Line Of Disasters (Long Beach Records)
Triple Word Score is a furious three-piece, pop-core, snow-punk band from Vancouver Canada. The vocal duties are split between Jamaal (bass) and Brent (guitar) and, occasionally, drummer Chris will jump in to confuse things even more. The problem with the rotating vocalists is you can’t tell which one sucks the most. There’s a line in “ 2 Ska 4 U” that says, “We gotta get a new singer.” The solution to that problem would be to keep el sucko away from the mic. But that’s not all. The band also has a problem with keeping a beat. Chris tends to wander and soon after Jamaal and Brent follow suit. The good thing is the songs are quick and to the point, which means you don’t have to suffer for too long though this 18-track disaster. But why subject yourself to such misery in the first place? -NIN |
Toilet
Boys (Masterplan Entertainment)
The Toilet Boys recent release, which bears the band’s moniker, celebrates the birth of the New York rockers own label Masterplan Entertainment. The album is a high-octane blast of loud, rude, aggressive rockers that glisten with the Toilet Boys gritty, unapologetic attitude and calls to mind the likes of Kiss, Ramones, and the N.Y. Dolls. The band’s signature hard-candy strut rock sound is personified in such soon to be classics as “Saturday Nite,” Party Starts Now,” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Whore.” This self-titled release is one hell of a party album complete with speaker blowing anthems and fist-touting gems. -NIN
|
|
Various (Acetate Records)
“A Night at Pretty Ugly” would be an appropriate title for this disc since every band featured here has performed at the infamous, high profile Hollywood club in the past three years or so. This soundtrack serves as an enhancement to the movie, which documents L.A.'s fledging indie rock scene and spotlights such bad asses as The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, Dragbeat, Motochrist, Texas Terri and The Stiff Ones, and The Newlydeads to name a few—all of whom may call L.A. their home but have a reputation that spans from coast to coast. If you’re craving a lethal shot of crusty no-holds-barred rock ‘n’roll, then Badsville is a sure fix. If you want to be hip to what’s currently hot in the rock ‘n’ roll underground, I suggest you give this disc a spin. -NIN |
Various (dethany.com)
If you are into darkwave, industrial, and /or goth you’ll want to pick this disc up for the sheer pleasure of discovering some great underground acts. Detroit Electronic Coalition Vol 2 is a delightful compilation comprised of some talented electronic based artist from the Motor City. Unlike most compilations, every band on here is decent. Some are better than others, but I never felt the need to it hit the fast forward button. All the tunes on here are dance floor friendly, with the exception of Silvercord’s “My Bride of Night,” which was a bit of a sleeper due to its extreme ambient nature. This track was immediately followed by SpaceScape’s “God HelpUs,” a tune that is guaranteed to get your mojo working. Other noteworthy treasures: “Collide” by Esion, “State of the Union” by Heterosonic, Hypodermic’s “Stone to Fles” and AprAxiA’s “ Ndoktrn8”. -NIN |
Various (Illbilly Records)
This sixteen-song sampler from Illbilly records contains artist that were plucked fresh out of the Hillbilly rock ‘n’ roll wading pool. Dropped On The Head is a fitting title for this quirky disc because you have to be completely out of your mind, or in some altered state, in order to enjoy this disc. If your idea of fun is sitting on yer porch with yer hound dog blowing yer herminica while your brother Darryl plays the fiddle, then by golly this sampler will have you yellin’ “Boy Howdy!” -NIN
|
|
(Sire Records)
When Beatlemania came out (not the Beatles, but an incredible simulation!), people came out in droves while the Fab 4 themselves sued. This seemingly innocuous event has since led to Marshall Crenshaw moving into a cult singer/songwriter, but I digress. This compilation, not ironically enough, sounds like Beatlemania via the Sun catalog and has Paul McCartney leading the charge. All the classic artists, and oh there are many, sound like they wanted to "recapture" the sound of the one-take classics of the fifties. Of course, they mostly come across as sloppy or too concerned in getting the "sound" that they forget about the soul. I could swear that a few songs actually add tape hiss! But at least those guys who were around for the original A-sides TRY to sound good. Leave it to the blandest of newcomers like Matchbox Twenty/20 (with Barbara Walters!) and Sheryl Crow to sound like themselves roaming thru what was once great material and making it vomit-inducing. Amazingly enough, the only one with balls enough to do something interesting is those pretentious nineties rockers Live who take "I Walk The Line", recast it in a minor key, and do something (gasp!) unique! Nameless Eurometal tribute bands could've done a better job than this waste of talent. -Repojay |
Various (Hellcat Records)
The third installment in the Give ‘Em The Boot series offers a little hardcore (Agnostic Front, Dropkick Murphys), a little punk (The Gadjits, Rancid), a little psychobilly (Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros), and a little Raggae (King Django). If you’re sick from consuming too much sugarcoated pop-punk then this collection of raucous and raging tunes should cure you real fast. The disc also comes equipped with three bonus videos. I guarantee you won’t find a better deal for $4.95. For that price you could give it as a gift to that special crusty in your life and even pick one up for yourself. -NIN |
Various (Universal)
Gotta
say this, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was one of the funniest movies of
2001. That said, what the
hell was Dave Pirner thinking when he wrote his piece of shit song "Tube
of Wonderful"? He used to be
fairly decent. The best parts
of this CD are the excerpts from the movie in-between each song. That says a lot about the
music. This soundtrack is
kinda rambling and all over the place. Steppenwolf makes an appearance
with "Magic Carpet Ride" followed by Bon Jovi, then PJ Harvey. WTF? So…songs I like are "Tougher Than
Leather" by Run DMC, Bob Schneider's "Bullets", and of course, anything by
Morris Day and the Time (they are the bomb!) And, if you want it, Afroman's
"Because I Got High" is here too. |
|
Various (Wolverine/SPV)
If
you enjoyed Punk Chartbusters volumes 1,2, and 3 then you’ll love
volume
4, which is equally enjoyable.
This two-disc set is Karaoke at its finest. Each disc contains an eclectic mix
of tunes covered by some well-known and not-so-well known acts in
punk. Here’s an idea of what
you can expect. Ricky
Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” covered by Dragster. I swear these guys made up their
own lyrics. Second Floor
Daycare takes a stab at Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.” The Living End covers Soft Cells’
“Tainted Love,” and Abba’s “S.O.S.” is brought back to life by the Mad
Caddies. Punk Chartbusters 4
will give you hours of amusement and add lots of spice to your next
party. |
Various (Side One Dummy)
If
you went to this year's Warped Tour, odds are you missed 95% of the bands
on this compilation. There are some great tracks on here -- Me First
and the Gimme Gimme's, Lost City Angels, and Flogging Molly have really
outdone themselves. There are some more lesser known bands
too. But...where's Pennywise? Other Epitaph bands are well
represented here. Hmmmm...as an additional note - almost all of the
tracks on this disc are unreleased.
|
Various (Dreamworks)
The
album sleeve for this disc states: “Music from the hit series.” Hit series? I never heard of it until
now. WWF: Tough Enough
features the darlings of MTV’s hard rock gene pool (Alien Ant Farm, Papa
Roach, Godsmack) in addition to a few struggling underdogs (Powerman 5000,
Pressure 4-5, Halfcocked). A
majority of these tracks can be found on other compilations (Mudvayne,
Disturbed), so I doubt hard rock fans will be fighting for this disc. However, all those lovely MTV
wannabes will think they’ve discovered something new and will be probably
be tripping all over themselves just to own it. Personally, I think they could
have been a lot more creative.
This disc is primarily comprised of bands that have been on TRL at
one time or another. It’s a
definite ploy to appeal to MTV’s TRL generation. Bleech. |
|
The Verve Pipe (RCA/Talk Me Up)
I know it's just me, but it seems like I have a
Verve Pipe CD to review twice a year. In reality, it's only once,
and I always do look forward to them, even though every time it's a
challenge to actually write the review. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy
The Verve Pipe, but their music is usually fairly uncategorical.
Underneath fits in that
genre, however it is rather different than releases in the past.
This is their third CD on RCA, and you can tell just by listening to it
that RCA told them to kick ass or die. The only problem is that the
boys didn't kick the commercial ass that I think RCA would've liked...they
made a ponderous grungey/post pop art CD filled with fabulous imagery and
great songs that sound best while listening on headphones. There are
a couple of kinda commercial tracks -- the single "Never Let You Down" and
"I Want All of You", but let's be honest here. If this thing sells
over 100,000 units, I'll be amazed. Gorgeous, emotional, thoughtful,
and one of the best CD's The Verve Pipe has put out,
Underneath isn't going to be
blazing out the door at Tower anytime soon. But you should pick it
up.
-J |
Will
Haven
Someone carpe this and put this man out of his misery! Every guttural noise he wails makes me wanna slaughter something. It’s like he can only communicate with screams. I couldn't bear to subject my CD player to this crap for more than 2 songs, so I turned to the CD jacket for more insight. What I saw was even more disturbing than the screaming: four raven-haired rockers dressed in black shirts, black jeans, and black shoes expressing black souls and black mascara. This entire album stares into the gaping whole of wickedness and screams at it. I couldn't understand half the lyrics, but I'm sure that if I did they would probably prompt me to sacrifice something. This is Will Haven’s third album, and I'm surprised that screams of angst set against heavy guitar can be called music. But then again, nobody embraced good old rock and roll either. -CW
|
Woven (Interscope/Al’s Records & Tapes)
Woven’s Eprime is a vividly atmospheric album that weaves organic textures and complicated beats into a sea of rock, electronic, and experimental elements. Eprime is an arsenal of diverse sounds and textures in which Woven craftily construct sonic collages of complex melodies, tweaked instrumentation, and emotionally charged vocals. If you’re in dire need of something off the beaten path or just something fresh and inventive this disc is for you. Be sure to hang out for the hidden track, which is a ten-minute opus that pays homage to the likes of Autechre and Squarepusher. -NIN
|
|
Yattering -
Human’s Pain
(Renegade Records)
OK, so the real cool Sepultura
like art work on the cover caught my eye, which seemed to stick out of my never ending pile of CD’s to review [Waaaah -ed]. Before I even shoved this
disc into my player, I started leafing through the booklet. Ah! Not another death metal band from
|
ZAO (Solid State/Fly PR)
I
really like this grinding, black, industrial metal disk. ZAO apparently is a band the
reinvents themselves CD to CD by enlisting almost all new band
members. All I can say is -
wow! The musicianship and
ambience on their self-titled CD can only be maintained by some fabulous
hired hands. My only
complaint, as with most bands who make a stab at death metal, is the
vocals. They almost distract
from the extremes of feeling, mood and musicianship. Think of Tiamat meets Fear
Factory, and you have an idea of where ZAO is at. -J
|
Zeke (Aces & Eights Records)
I swear I reviewed this album already, or maybe it sounds so much like the last disc I can’t tell the difference. On Death Alley, Zeke build upon their basic formula of speed rock by mixing in a little classic rock into their manic distillation of American hardcore. The good news is Zeke manages to cram in sixteen tracks in less than 30 minutes. However, the album follows the same fast and furious format as previous releases, which makes it hard to distinguish one song from another with the exception of the few mid-paced tunes that are on this disc. With Zeke, fast has always been the name of the game, but that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice variety in the process. Or maybe they do. If attitude-laden punk/speed metal is your thang than you’ll dig this. If not, don’t bother. -NIN
|
|
Rob
Zombie - The Sinister
Urge (Geffen)
First and foremost, this CD
sounds 10x’s better when cranked to maximum capacity. Not because the album is bad, but
because Rob Zombie’s music was meant to be played loud – so loud that it
rattles the walls and shakes the windows. In fact, The Sinister Urge is Rob Zombie’s
best release to date. It’s
R.Z. through and through—complete with thrashing guitars, thundering
beats, industrial atmospheres, and classic horror/Sci-fi samples. However, the king of horror rock
makes a bold move and expands the boundaries of his sound by adding a
commercial edge as exhibited in “Never Gonna Stop” and “(Go to)
|
|
