Bite Me! CD Reviews G - R
Gram Rabbit – Cultivation
(Stinky Records)
This Joshua Tree-based outfit had one of the most criminally overlooked debut albums in recent years. It was a wonderful quirky blend of alt-rock, electronica, aliens, and peyote. The debut flowed thru with the blood of a group ready to make their mark on the world. Alas, their follow-up doesn’t deliver on that promise. While the first was cohesive, Cultivation sounds like random musings spawned since then. Some moments provide highlights (such as “Bloody Bunnies”) that may work for random iPod musings. Others, like “Paper Heart,” are mildly interesting for their experimental arrangements. Ultimately, tied together the album is less about a great record and more about documenting the group’s random wanderings since the last record. You are better off starting with the debut. -Repojay
The Hanks – Your New Attraction
(Cobra Music / Fontana)
Alt-rockers The Hanks deliver uplifting tunes coated by mounds of infectious melodies. On Your New Attraction The Hanks put their artistic skills to the test, as the album merges pop punk sensibility with ska tinged rock. It’s obvious that the band took great pains to compose this debut, which is bound to make them a household name. This good time record gets of to a good start with “The Only Thing Real”. The lush strings on “Bruised” showcase the group’s technical know how. The band’s ska influence comes out on “Dirty Lens”. “Mix Tape” sounds like something the Plain White T’s would release only not as annoying. The hard working lads even take a stab at a ballad with “Luggage VS. Baggage”. If nothing else, Your New Attraction is sure to be a hit with the Hot Topic crowd. -NIN
ISM – Monkey Underneath
(STM Records)
1/2
ISM’s Monkey Underneath started out promising then changed directions entirely. The band’s sound is a mixture of organic instrumentation, trippy electronics, and straight forward rock. It’s somewhat akin to a harder version of Radiohead with an occasional Nine Inch Nails influence thrown in to make things interesting. It may sound good on paper but it’s not. -NIN
Kittie – Funeral For Yesterday
(X of Infamy Records)
1/4
Since Kittie’s inception in 1996 the band has survived line-up changes, legal contention, and mishandling by their formal label (Artemis Records). Having learned a few lessons from the school of Hard Knocks, the Lander Sisters have decided to take control of their destiny and formed X of Infamy Records, as an outlet for their own material and possibly others as well. Within the first few minutes it becomes pretty obvious that Kittie is headed in a new direction. Perhaps the addition of new comers Tara McLeod and Trish Doan have something to do with it or perhaps it is Morgan’s determination to prove that there is more dimension in her vocal ability. On Funeral For Yesterday fans are exposed to clean vocals as opposed to the guttural growls they are used to. At times she even uses the screaming verse/melodic chorus formula as displayed in "Flowers of Flesh and Blood" and "Witch Hunt”. However, the death metal vocals prevail in “Never Again” and “This Too Shall Pass”. For the most part, a majority of the album’s songs are formulaic. Despite its radio friendly sound Funeral For Yesterday won’t make Kittie a household name any time soon. -NIN
Melvins - Houdini Live 2005
(Ipecac Recordings)
Interesting concepts don't often make interesting albums. I wish the world of high concept would be such that any stoner could have their "brilliant" stoner idea actually be as good in execution as it is during the thought process. Alas, most ideas of this nature are absolute crap. 90s grungers Melvins' idea of taking their Houdini record and re-recording it all directly live to tape isn't a total crap idea. If you are a Melvins fan you'll get into this. However, it's not even completely live either. The recording is actually two live sessions smashed into one. Not that the slow, sludgey stoner rock would make it apparent when they missed a note. Overall, this is just a tired, drudge-y mess that only the true fans could appreciate. What I would buy is a list of all their high concept stoned ideas that are better in concept than execution. They'd save a lot of production money and likely make more dollars in their pocket. -Repojay
The Photo Atlas – No, Not Me, Never
(Stolen Transmission / Morning
After)
This Denver based dance punk unit will take you back to the good ole days with their explosive blend of machine gun riffs, Brit rock dance grooves, and 70’s punk urgency. Their singer also exudes a certain style that is akin to Ian of Joy Division fame. If you close your eyes you can vision that same neurotic obsession. No, Not Me, Never brims with an explosive energy beginning with the handclaps of “The Walls Have Eyes” to the manic grooves of “Hand Shake Heart Attack” to the infectious poppiness of “Light and Noise”. With its Fugazi meets Bloc Party feel No, Not Me, Never is an album of seismic proportions. -NIN
Platinum Weird – Make Believe
(Weapons of Mass Entertainment /
Interscope)
According to legend, Platinum Weird was formed in 1974 by Dave Stewart of Eurhythmics fame. The band enjoyed a brief but celebrated career, so much so that vocalist Erin Grace was rumored to have inspired Stevie Nicks’ fashion style. On the eve of the group’s debut release Erin disappeared and was never heard from again. Dave was so heartbroken he disbanded the band and went on to form the Eurhythmics. 32 years later Dave resurrected Platinum Weird from its ashes and has found a new muse by the name of Kara DioGuardi, who has penned songs for Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Kylie Minogue. But truth be told, the tale of Platinum Weird is about as valid as the tale of Chris Gaines. Make Believe may not have truly been in the vault, but the magic of that era has been captured in the disc, as the record’s sound is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumors’. Perhaps Kara was inspired by Stevie. Her powerful yet soulful vocals suggest this may be so. This folksy rock offering rides on a mellow vibe all the way from the lush strings on “Piccadilly Lane,” to the bluesy melodies of “Taking Chances,” to the somber tones of “Goodbye My Love”. -NIN
River City High – Not Enough Saturday
Nights (Takeover Records)
1/2
Not Enough Saturday Nights is this Virginia based unit’s second release. Not long ago River City High’s dreams came true when they landed a deal with MCA records. Unfortunately, that dream was shattered when the label folded the day their major label debut was to be released. It was probably for the best, as the band’s sound is geared toward a more indie crowd, and they really need the nurturing that a smaller label can provide. River City High is the type of group that plays hard and rocks even harder. If you are looking for a good bar band that delivers straight up 80’s pop rock with a double shot of whiskey then these boys are it. Highlights: “Run, Run, Run,” “The Hard Way,” “Dogwood Queen,” and “Bastard”. -NIN