Bite Me! CD Reviews A - F

Atreyu – Lead Sails Paper Anchor (Hollywood Records) 1/2

Atreyu has grown by leaps and bounds as songwriters.  Over the years the band has shown no fear when it comes to experimenting with their sound.  Lead Sails Paper Anchor presents a new style as the band gets adventurous with melodies and exotic instrumentation.  Veterans of the metalcore scene, Atreyu spice things up by incorporating Turkish Saz, trumpets, strings, piano, pedal steel guitar, and lots of dynamic tempo changes into the mix.  This exultant disc incorporates influences of 80’s metal, thrash, industrial, hardcore, alternative, and a bit of alt country.  The album starts off with the thrashing, grooving riffs of “Doomsday”.    Brutally heavy “Can’t Happen Here” starts with an arsenal of machine gun riffs that reminds fans of the band’s roots, as do the massive grooves and sinister beats of “Becoming the Bull”.  “Honor” reflects Atreyu’s new transition.  The rockabilly riff of “Falling Down” gives way to a chorus of blaring horns and harmonized vocals.  Buckcherry’s Josh Todd guest vocals on the 80’s metal inspired “Blow” and as an added bonus the guys throw in a cover of Faith No More’s “Epic”.   -NIN

Blaqk Audio – CexCells (Interscope / Tiny Evil) 3/4

When I first heard that Davey Havok & Jade Puget of AFI fame were working on this project I was intrigued.  When the review copy arrived I could barely curb my enthusiasm…much to my surprise CexCells was better than I expected.  This deliciously dark disc kicks off with a tribute to Depeche Mode title “Stiff Kittens”.  In fact, the DM influence runs deep throughout the album and appears again in “The Fear of Being Found” - with its soft chorus and dreary background it’s a Martin Gore production through & through.  On a similar note “Between Breaths” is a goth boy’s wet dream.  The flurry of electronic beats in “Snuff on Digital” makes me long for the dance floor.  “Where Would You like Them Left” is a throwback to 80’s new romanticism that borrows the classic line from Adam Ant’s “Strip”.  The Rave friendly beats of “On a Friday,” “Semiotic Love,” and “Again, Again, and Again” will have you breaking out the glow sticks.  Davey & Jade’s dedication to 80’s New Wave/New Romanticism is commendable.  The layered keyboards and atmospherics of Cex Cells are complimented by well programmed beats.  It’s moody synth pop with a kick.  I’m looking forward to the follow up.  -NIN

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

Critical Bill – Downtown The World (Westbound Records) 1/2

Even though Rap-metal is no longer the “it” sound Critical Bill is a solid reminder why the genre was once so popular.  The Detroit based urban rock outfit keeps it real on Downtown The World.  No bullshit, no filler just loads of solid metal riffs, a pounding rhythm section, and a vocalist that is menacing one moment and spews out the smoothest rhymes the next.  The album melds hip-hop & rap elements with a hard rock edge and will easily please any fan of either genre.  Put Critical Bill on your watch list.  They are one of the better unappreciated acts out there.  Highlights: “The Ride,” “Get High,” “Need to Know” and “This is Critical”.  -NIN