Bite Me! CD Reviews G - R
Godhead – At the Edge of the World
(Driven Music Group)
It’s nice to see that Godhead is still alive and kickin’. At the Edge of the World is the group’s 6th studio record, but first for Brian “Head” Welch’s label. Dramatic in nature, this 13 track release features 5 bonus remixes. Remixes aside, their current sound offers very little in the electronic department. Case in point -- the title track (which pays homage to Tool and is also the perfect vehicle for Miller’s melodic vocals). “The Decline” offers a solid groove and enchanting melodies. Crunchy guitars are the focal point of “Stay Back” – a tune about how people tend to push each other away in relationships. The album is a departure from the industrialized Godhead of the early days. However, old school fans will be pleased with the remixes, especially the upbeat dance version of “Stay Back (Assemblage Mix)”. “Consumption (Melt Mix)” is more along the lines of harsh, heavy industrial. “Soldier’s Song (Sold Your Soul Mix)” mixes trip hop electronics with a bit of disco funk. “Closing The Door (Cursed Mix)” is a pulsating sensation of beats and sounds. “Edge of the World (Fat Acid Mix) is an ultra heavy piece that mixes in a bit of Sabbath and Tool influence. And here’s a bit of trivia for you. Vocalist Jason Miller also provides the voices for over 25 different animae shows. See what else he is up to at www.jasonmiller.net and visit the band at www.godhead.com -NIN
The Hives – The Black & White Album
(A&M / Octone)
1/2
Hooking up with producers Pharrell, Dennis Herrig, Jacknife Lee, and Thomas Oberg, The Hives break new ground with their latest – The Black & White Album. Proving that they aren’t a flash in the pan, the Swedish lads get right to the point with the explosive opener “Tick Tick Boom”. And, from there The Hives go full force with their blistering brand of punk infused rock on this high energy record. The massive hooks and catchy rhythms of “Try It Again” are delightful. The boys break out the party anthems in the “Well All Right!” and “T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S” and the frantic “Hey Little World” is classic Hives through and through. This slick sounding disc is filled with lip-sneering booty shaking tunes that are overflowing with catchy melodies, phat bass lines, and rockin’ riffs. -NIN
IAMX – The Alternative
(Stay Gold Records)
1/2
Fronted by the dynamic Chris Corner IAMX is Sneaker Pimps sinister offspring. Glam noir at its finest, IAMX’s sound fuses the best of industrial, electro, synth-funk, and orchestral elements. Complimented by Chris’ seductive yearning, The Alternative is an alluring, dark melodic album that mixes glam and electronic soundscapes. The dark synth pop antics of “Nightlife” are a dancefloor delight. The glam rock anthems “The Alternative” and “Spit It Out” are larger than life. “Lulled by Numbers” borrows a page from the Sneaker Pimps catalog and Chris shows off his softer side in “S.H.E.” and “This Will Make You Love Again”. Whether you’re a Sneaker Pimps fan or a glam noir fan, this album is worth checking out. -NIN
Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light
(Interscope)
Jimmy Eat World has grown up and gotten more introspective. Not sure if that’s a good thing for me or not, as I really enjoy their more explosive, harder songs. Chase This Light leads off with the sing along hard hitting “Big Casino”, and quickly goes straight into emo territory with “Let it Happen”…and stays there pretty much with a couple of rare exceptions like “Feeling Lucky” which is a total sing along song. If you enjoy Jimmy Eat World’s more downer side, you’ll like Chase This Light. Me? I’ll go back to their other CD’s. Just a matter of preference. –J
Karate High School – The League of
Tomorrow (Evo Recordings)
This high energy record chronicles the adventures of characters that vocalist Paul McGuire created in his novel of the same name. Keeping the theme alive, the album’s artwork mimics that of a comic book – complete with panels. All geekiness aside, Karate Highschool’s The League of Tomorrow is a diverse record. In the blistering opener “The Secret Handshake” unstoppable melodies collide with crushing guitars. The San Francisco unit keeps the momentum going with the techno beats of “Burning Up For You”. “The Empire State” shows off a softer side of the band, while “Can’t Hold Me Down” is proof that they can write a catchy tune. -NIN
Kenna – Make Sure They See My Face
(Interscope)
3/4
When it comes to record releases Kenna hasn’t had much luck. Both his debut and its predecessor, Make Sure They See My Face, were delayed more than once. It’s not that his music isn’t current. In fact, a number of the album’s tracks are catchy enough for radio airplay and the variety of influences will appeal to fans of several genres. Produced by Chad Hugo (the Neptunes) the disc’s unique sound touches on hip-hop, synth–pop, punk, and neosoul. “Loose Wire/Blink Radio” is an eclectic tune that features a stellar tribal beat. The melancholy piano ditty in “Static” calls to mind the likes of U2. Kenna takes a stab at Arena rock on the hypnotic “Phantom Always”. “Face The Gun/Good Luck” offers a little taste of 80’s New Wave. A meaty guitar riff and catchy beat are the focal point of “Better Wise Up”. The album closes with the emotionally powerful “Awake”. Kenna may never achieve superstar status, but he won’t let that stop him from being heard. -NIN
KMFDM – Tohuvabohu
(Metropolis)
Tohuvabohu may not be a commercial hit, but it’s a fuckin great album nonetheless. The group’s 15th studio album presents a funkier, groovier side thanks to the band’s relentless experimentation and dedication to reinvention. Much like its moniker Tohuvaohu, which is an Old Testament term for wild & chaotic, unleashes a barrage of heavy beats that one can easily dance or mosh to. The album explores different languages—German, Spanish, Latin, Hebrew, & Lingala—all the while blending in a bit of funk, disco, industrial, and metal into the mix. Sascha test his Spanish skills in the retro-electro cover of “Los Niños Del Parque,” by the German cult classic band Liasions Dangereuses. Hebrew & Latin are the focal point of the title track, which is fueled by propulsive rhythms and tribal beats. The party rockin’ “Looking for Strange” is delish dark wave delight. “Saft Und Kraft” harkens back to Ministry’s Psalm 69 days, and Lucia shines on “I Am What I Am”. While many bands have come and gone or changed their style KMDFM (twenty years and counting) remains a force to be reckoned with on the Industrial Scene. With their signature ultra heavy beats KMFDM keep the energy on high in Tohuvaohu and never let up. Sascah, Lucia, & co. have finally found their groove. -NIN
Leo – Nightmares
(Dream Makers Music)
1/2
Leo’s Nightmares is for all those folks who indulge on Bon Jovi lite. The songs can be mild & melancholy one moment – bold & thunderous the next. This sonic diary takes the listener on an emotional journey through a series of dysfunctional relationships. Yeah, we’ve all been there. Leo’s Nightmares is for those who miss the 80’s but not the cheese. -NIN
Outtasite – Careful What You Wish For…
(Rhyme Cartel)
If you think you’ve heard all there is that rap rock has to offer – think again. Outtasite (aka Michael Singleton) melds both worlds and adds a little something extra. A veteran of the local Seattle music scene, Outtasite’s buzz caught Sir Mix-A-Lot’s ear. As a result, Careful What You Wish For... is the first full length release on Mix’s Rhyme Cartel label. Flavored with social commentary and peppered with Joel D. Davila’s guitar wizardry this eclectic release goes beyond the realms of nü-metal. The album’s lead track “Pass It Around,” displays the artist’s eclectic hybrid style. Mix-A-Lot & Tomeka Williams bring a little old skool funk to “Careful What You Wish For”. “Witness the Prosecution” possesses a bit of Body Count’s soul, and “The Wake Up” delivers a great electronic beat. The heaviest track on this disc is “Tequila Stepchild,” which features Jane C. The album ends with “F@#K That” – a tune that delivers an incredibly catchy chorus and bumpin’ beat. You can argue that it’s been done before; however, there is something fresh and new about Outtasite that will keep you coming back for more. -NIN
Prong – Power Of The Damager
(13th Planet Records)
1/4
If there is one thing that Tommy Victor does well – it’s heavy, and Power Of The Damager is loaded with big, heavy riffs. Representing the first release for Al Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records, Power Of The Damager is chock full of Victor’s razor sharp riffs, which, for many years, have been revered in the underground. This raw effort takes you back to the band’s early days with its fierce solos, mind-bending rhythms, and in your face metallic blasts of energy. The opener “Looking for Them” delivers a solid swift kick to the gut and from there it’s one vicious punch after another. Produced by Victor, each tune is stamped with his distinguishable style, with the exception of “The Banishment,” which was produced by Al Jourgensen and bears his signature apocalyptic mark. “Can’t Stop the Bleeding” and “Messages Inside Me” are other standouts, as is the solid closer “Changing Ending Troubled Times”. Admit it…it’s about time real metal made a comeback. -NIN