MUSIC REVIEWS
Here are the latest music reviews from
T H E O R Y
- X -
FANZINE
ISSUE #3.
This is only part of what I reviewed, the rest will be on the way shortly, so check back for an update (with pictures).
All reviews are done by TOM UNDERMINE. They are all critiqued and then given a star (*) rating from 1-5. 5 being the best.
UNBALANCED"Destruction Cycle" Down For Life Records. Phone @ 914-236-4736
Destruction Cycle is a five song CD EP from upstate NY's Unbalanced. This CD more than lives up to the great live sound that Unbalanced has carved out for themselves. Their unique blend of heavy hardcore and grinding metal is comparable to a lot of area hardcore bands, but Unbalanced definitely cranks out some original and fresh jams on this CD. The production quality of this CD is nothing short of amazing. If you're into heavier, grinding hardcore, Destruction Cycle is a definite keeper. This band and CD are sick. ****
TOGETHER WE'RE STRONGER - "A Worldwide Hardcore and Punk Compilation",Struck Out Records This CD comp is a hard hitting 25 song punk-fest. Most of the bands on this CD know how to rock and all of the bands definitely deserve their props. With 13 bands, the most notable including THE ALMIGHTY FATHERS and CRIVITS, Struck Out Records has really done a top notch job in releasing this CD. Even more importantly than the music on the CD, which definitely kicks ass, Struck Out really went out of their way to put diverse punk/hardcore bands from around the world on the same disc. They united several scenes and bands, and by doing so have spread the music of bands like CHAIN REACTION, from The Netherlands, around the world. This is a great opportunity for people to get an earful of what kind of hardcore lies beyond their own scene and country. ****
OPEN DEFIANCE - S/T,
My Own Eyes Records, email
Openlydefy@aol.com Open Defiance has packed ten thumping, bassy hardcore tracks on to this self titled release. With tinges of Death Metal and rough Hardcore, Open Defiance has really found a fresh sound. It's good to see that there is still some innovative hardcore musicians in the world, that don't rip off the latest Victory Records release. These guys (and girl), really have something good going on. There is almost a rap-core rythem here, but without the typical "I wish I was Biohazard" influence. There's no tough guy bullshit present either, just some great musicianship and original lyrics. ****
VISION OF DISORDER - "Imprint" Roadrunner Records.
Wow, how do you spell dissappointment? Try V.O.D.! Yeeup, this record definitely dissappoints...but that's not all! If you act now and pick up Imprint from V.O.D., you also get incoherent noise and lyrical dribble. These "Scene Whores" definitely know how to suck the blood from the hardcore scene and then leave it high and dry. Good for them though, I'm glad they're all buddy buddy with Phil Anselmo from Pantera...he can save a seat for them at the Ozzy Osbourne retirement home for has beens. I can't determine whether it's sad or funny that a band with such balls and musical genius would actually record this noise. I loved "Still" and I even liked the first Roadrunner release despite the critical backlash, but it seems to me that every tune on this record is just heavy to be heavier than the last one. Perhaps I was premature in calling the lyrics "dribble", but come on "I'll tear you apart 'cause I ain't no one to fuck with?"...please. They try to sound so profound with song titles like "Locust Of The Dead Earth", but really, I think they just want to be rock stars like KORN but none of them are black, gay or poor. They have no oppression angle to go with. Let's hope they get dropped from Roadrunner and get really depressed and poor. Then they'll form a drug habit and sing some songs with balls again and we can all watch "VOD...Behind The Music", on VH1. *1/2
BELLOLUNA - "Livid And Loving It" Daemon Records Belloluna is a damn good band. This CD appeared in my mailbox one day in a paper bag. When I listened to it, I was happily surprised. This 5 peice Ska-ish band from Georgia really has their musical shit together. There is some really groovy instrumentation on this record and very talented song writing. Belloluna is quite gifted, and coming from a guy who typically hates ska, that's saying a lot. I'm not even sure if I would call Belloluna "ska", they're more of a lounge type band. Whatever you call them, include it in the sentence "Belloluna is a good ______ band." ***
BUZZBOMB - "Down" 244 Elizabeth Drive, Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, EH48 1HU
If there was a category called "Classic Punk Rock", Buzzbomb would be in it. You can hear undertones of THE JAM, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS and other classic Punk Rock bands on "Down", but there is no typical fast thrash, wanna be Misfits stuff on it. There is some clever song writing on this four song EP and some generally good music. I guess that's what I'd call Buzzbomb. Just a good band. Need I say more? ****
THE GREAT KAT - "Bloody Vivaldi" Email: greatkat@greatkat.com The guitar goddess is back for more slaughterhouse speed guitar with Bloody Vivaldi. This Guitar Dominatrix and violin virtuoso shreds her way through 4 heavy metal speed tracks. The Great Kat claims to be one of the fastest guitar players in the world and this release backs up her claim with so many damn notes that the guys at Cherry Books, who write out the notation for song books, would rather toss each others salads than notate a Kat album. Kat recreates works by classical composers Vivaldia and Sarasate and adds 2 original tracks to the bedlam. I must admit, I'm not really into this kind of music and the lyrics are brutal. Something about ripping a guys balls off...I don't know. But somehow...every time I put this CD on to show to one of my friends, It starts to grow on me slowly. I guess I begin to hear the music under the noise. I can't say I'd recommend this release, but if you play guitar and are into deathy guitar solos, "Bloody Vivaldi" is worth checking out. **1/2
HOUSE CALL ABORTIONS/THE GREEN GOBLYN PROJECT - Split 7"
Bony Orbit Records, 719 Forrest, Ave. 5, Cocoa, Fl. 32922
This split 7" features two horror type bands from Florida. The House Call Abortions (HCA) are nothing short of great. They bring the classic Misfits horror rock sound into a contemporary setting and breathe new life into it. They are truly a sick band. The Green Goblyn Project is also good, but unfortunately get shadowed by HCA. Their sound is also Horror-esque, but with more of a gothic feel. Musically they're pretty good, but it's tough to get passed the band on the other side of the blood red vinyl. Fantastic artwork on this release as well, so if you like punk or goth, do yourself a favor and pick this 7" up. ****
BEST OF THE BEST - "A Punk Rock Compilation"
Awesome Dawson Records
Nice fuckin' release. DIY punk at it's pinnacle. 37 tracks of in your face, no nonsense punk rock. Awesome Dawson Records did a great job compiling unknown bands like FSO and THE SNOTS, with more established acts like The DROPKICK MURPHYS, BLANKS 77 and THE PISS SHIVERS. There are a lot of great, underrated bands from this area (upstate NY) on here, so check it out. It's cheap, as any punk record should be, but with some high quality stuff. *****
THREE FINGER COWBOY - "Kissed" Daemon Records 3FC have some good stuff on this CD. First of all I love the packaging, the cover looks like something out of Giger's Necrinomicon 1. The music is pretty light in terms of what I usally review, but there is a good rockin' feel to record. The female vocals kind of draw you in and the groove of the music keeps you there. This isn't one of those must have records, but if you like the less metallic emo/indy sound, 3FC is worth checking out. A solid release altogether. ***
AS I LOOK TO THE FUTURE - 7" Compilation Solution Records, 192 South Rd, Somers, CT. 06071
This 7" Comp features 4 hardcore bands from around the U.S., CAPGUN, BANE, DRIVEN and THE ROLEMODELS. While the bands on this record don't sound exactly polished, there is still some heavy and at times melodic hardcore, worthy of your attention. I've yet to pick a favorite or least favorite band on the record, so I won't mention who does or doesn't stand out, because quite frankly, none of them really do. They're all good bands, but nothing really special. Either way give it a listen.
**
6X - "Kung Pow" Daemon Records
I would like to say, with out an over analyzation, that this is one of the best CD's I now own. I have no analogy for 6X's sound, but I for the sake of this review, I'll call it female fronted emo, in the vein of Veruca Salt. Daemon Records, which has come to my attention of late, has outdone themselves with this release. Everything on this CD flows and keeps you interested. This is one of those albums where anyone can find something they like about it, be it catchy vocal melodies, the brilliant simplicity and clarity of the lyrics or the subtle guitar genius. I can't for the life of me figure out how bands like Third Eye Blind or Green Day got a record deal, yet something this phenominal is being ignored by the industry. Buy this and I promise you will love it. *****
GAME OVER - 7 song demo Raunchy vocals, noisey hardcore and deathy undertones. There's also a thrash feel to this demo. Now that we covered that....the music doesn't always flow smoothly. It's a bit choppy and unrefined, but I think that's the sound that the band and producer/legend Don Fury were going for. The only tune that really stands out is "Society's Fault", which reminds me of old Warzone. It's and okay demo, but nothing to cum over and nothing I haven't heard before. **
THE ASTHMATICS - "Weeze On Elm Street" Well I guess you didn't guess by the name of the band that the Asthmatics are a Ska band...huh? This is pretty typical ska if you ask me, not my thing at all. The music isn't all that bad, but I guess I just don't really get it. If you like Ska, you might feel differently. There's a cover of "Wind Beneath My Wings" included on the tape, which is kind of amusing, but not really good. Enough of these singers who want to sound like NOFX. **
GREASELAND - "The Gringe" Noisey, Neurosis-esque, lo-fi mayhem. There's some very intruiging music under the noise on this tape and it's too bad you can't always make it out. The drumming is absolutely sick. These guys are very talented, but the production quality hides it. The vocals are just throaty screaming, but they fit very well with the the flow of the music. Slow and eerie, melodic with thrashing insanity, Greaseland could be a force to be reckoned with in a few years. Too bad the production sucks. ****
THE ALMIGHTY FATHERS - Demo Paternal Instincts Music
These guys recorded about five minutes from my house which is kind of amazing. There's only like two bands in the area so you'd think I would have known about them. The A.F.'s are kind of strange, like a metal version of FEAR. Some cool lyrics and choruses, but the poor, lo-fi production takes away from them. I think with a better production job the music and melody would shine through. Definitely more than tolerable, but not too amazing. ***
THE SCHEMATICS - Demo Yes I do hate Ska, but with a band this talented I'll make an exception. Upstate NY's eight piece Ska/Lounge explosion can rock on stage and in an eight track recording studio. This tape is brilliant. The music is so good that it sounds like a major label release. The only complaint I have is that it isn't on CD, but that problem will be appeased shortly I'm told. The arrangement, the songwriting, the lyrics, they all kick ass. With the catchy interludes and choruses, you'll be an instant fan if you get this tape. *****
APATHEMY - '98 demo WOW! That's what I feel like saying every time I listen to this demo. Low chunky riffs and thunderous drums mixed with dualistic male and female vocals. Five brutal songs that make you want to kill...kill...kill! The female vocals actually have more testicular fortitude than the male vocals, which is saying a lot, because the guy vocals seriously kick ass. The music is pretty plain and the guitar holds a bit to be desired, but it still works with the drums and vocals. ****
PH BALANCE - "S/T" Daemon Records PH BALANCE = SHEER BRILLIANCE. Along the same lines as Portishead, PHB is a bass driven alterna-trance group. Yeah... that's the ticket. It's a strange comparison, but it reminds me of a dancier Danzig (the slower songs anyway) with female vocals and groovy, intense bass line throughout. There is a definite hip-hop feel to the CD, but it's one of a broad number of influences I detect here. The vocals are, for lack of a better comparison, like Jewel on downers through a fuzz-box. This is a good thing...a very good thing in fact. I would classify the CD in the "Must Have" category. *****
THE BRAIN DEAD - Promo '98 More lo-fi metal. The B.D. sound sort of like a Roadrunner band from the early 90's. Like Gruntruck or something mixed with a tinge of Poison Idea. Included on the tape are some cool samples and guitar effects, which breath life into the rest of the band which sounds a bit drab. **1/2
NOWHERE FAST - "Wise Up" Old school/ youth crew sounding stuff here. Nothing out of the ordinary. This tape would have been great had it been released ten years ago in New York City, but unfortunatley we are on the verge of the millenium and Nowhere Fast is from Rhode Island. Time to grow a bit folks, that old school sound is called old for a reason. To quote Leeway Nowhere Fast is "Going Nowhere FASSSST". **1/2
WHOOPIE CUSHION - "No Thanks To Heather" Another typical punk band if you ask me. I can't understand why bands continue to play this stuff. They all sound the same. No wonder punk died out. I'm sick of this Fat WrechChords/ Epitaph/ NOFX psuedo punk crap. The new school has flunked out in my eyes. Getting back to business at hand, Whoopie Cushion is an okay new school punk band. They just sound like every other new school punk band. *1/2
UNCLENCH - 3 Song Demo Three grinding songs of fresh metallic hardcore. A truly unique sound indeed, with some catchy guitar work and shouting vocals that sound like there's a set of steel balls behind them. I like the way Unclench writes and arranges their songs. This tape is proof positive that you don't have to be the best band in the world to make a great sounding record, you just have to do something innovative...break some rules. ****1/2
THE DERITA SISTERS FEATURING JUNIOR - "Promo CD"
These guys are definitely on to something. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I do like it. This CD is a new twist to an old punk sound (No NOFX style vocals here either!). Some cool instrumentation, I think theres a xylaphone (however you spell it) in there or something, mixed with some solid punk rock. Good music throughout the disc. ***
UNCLE NO - Promo CD Fork In Hand Music
Another solid release from the folks at Fork In Hand Records. Maybe a little to much of a KORN influence, but it's not overdone. The vocals and music are pretty plain when they're not screaming loud, but if you're into that whole "New School Metal" thing that has become so popular lately, you might dig Uncle No. They're not exactly my bag, but I wouldn't turn them off either. **1/2
DREXEL - "No One Told Me What the hell is wrong with this guys voice? Shut up and let us hear the music, which by the way kicks ass. The music is very tight and versatile, just short of brilliant, but the vocals are a hinderance. Something off of the latest Epitaph release. He reminds me of that black dude, the original singer for Faith No More with that speach impediment thing going on. Please vocal lessons or a new singer...please! ****
LYMPH VESSEL - S/t Flashburn Records Lymph Vessel is absolutely insane. Too bad the vocals are a little too "New Shcool Metal". I'm just not into that style of vocals...at all! They're a little "KORNY" shall we say. The guitars are fucking superb. All around the music is really something to appreciate. This is a very high quality production from Lymph Vessel and Flashburn Records, so do yourself a favor and check this one out. ****
