Smash CD reviews

Eighteen Visions
Obsession
Epic/Trustkill
By: Harmon Finkle
There are only three things I want to see when I get home from a long day at school: My dad’s secret stash of 1950’s Playboys, my stereo and a Webster’s Collegiate dictionary so I can look up words like melodrama: n 1 a: A work characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization.
That’s all that I have to say about this record. I think I’ll hump my pillow now and have a nice cry.

Prodigy
Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned
Maverick
By: Homie
The Prodigy hasn’t released a record since what seems to be the Kennedy administration. “…I wanted to make it sexier and go back to the beats.” Liam Howlett told MTV Europe. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Cameo’s falling left and right thanks to movie actress turned rockstar Juliette Lewis, Twista, Kool Keith and more. The music is raw and back to the carnal inceptions of pounding programming the Prodigy is known for. Smashing disco rhythms and the occasionally poppy synth collide with the distorted beats making very foundation of the record. Suggested Listening: "Spitfire," "Girls," "Hotride"

Blood Bros.
Crimes
V2
By: Homie
Homeless until only recently, the Blood Brothers unique brand of chaotic, experimental, ingenious rock has finally found a label capable of bolstering a release that might compete with 2002’s Burn Piano Island Burn. Produced by John Goodmanson (Sleater-Kinney, etc.) Crimes will fit in right at home with the bands fans taking small progressive steps into experimentation with an accordion, strings and more. The record, though still distinctively Blood Bros., carries less of the technical playing and more melodic sounds allowing the songs to sweep along less choppy than efforts before.

MC Lars
The Laptop EP
Sidecho
By: Homie
WTF? Stanford student turned emcee thanks to the power of the laptop, if you haven’t heard him yet, you soon will. Its your worst nightmare turned your wildest dream as a white kid throws down hokey rhyme schemes while sampling hooks from Piebald and Brand New plus an electronic remake of the Scorpions' "Rock You Like A Hurricane" on the song "Hurricane Fresh." But the real song already much the talk of the label industry and radio is “Signing Emo.” The tale of a record rep searching for the next big emo band and finding it in a band called Hearts that Hate. I’m still unclear as to whether or not they’re a real band but they are online at www.heartsthathate.com. As the story goes, the band goes for glory only to be stumped by a suddenly thriving industrial scene. The only justice is to check it out for yourself. Suggested tracks: "Signing Emo," "iGeneration"

Communique
Poison Arrows
Lookout! Records
By: Rachel Hommel
If the Killers were to make sweet love to the Faint, they would produce the funky combination that is Communique. The keyboards drive this album; making each song into it's own short epic. Unlike many bands, the music and the vocals are not only dramatic, but innovative. The whole CD is a psychedelic trip through a new wave voyage. And it's fun. From disasters to heartbreak, it all sounds so fresh. A perfect CD for a drunken dance night.

Gatsby's American Dream
In The Land of Lost Monsters
L L Records
By: Rachel Hommel
These pop punk wannabes just don't know how to carry out a catchy tune. The lyrics collide with the music and everything is in one confused state of mess. Midway through the album, the band decides to go the indie route and the result is rather unsavory. The mellow dramatic spiel just doesn't work well vocally. Sounding like a boy band revitalized and with guitar, this band definitely needs to find their sound. If they do, they might have a chance at making it into the TRL studios.

The Honorary Title
Anything Else But The Truth
Doghouse Records
By: Rachel Hommel
This eclectic band makes grunge, emo, and country into one beautiful package. In this delectable narrative, singer Jarrod Gorbel manages to create the perfect blend of light pop music with darker, powerful vocals. With influences such as Bright Eyes, it's easy to see where the passion and strength in Gorbel's voice comes from. Those few moments of unsaturated anger make the band much more than a heartfelt emo group. This cd is classy, sophisticated, and intelligent. Finally. Easy listening with power.

Stiff Little Fingers
Guitar And Drum
Kung Fu Records
By: Lenny Nero
Never having been a huge fan (or very familiar with) old Stiff Little Fingers' material, I was hesitant to write this review. I mean, do we really need another punk band from the 70's trying to "revive" their careers by cashing in on the current wave of radio friendly punk rock? Interestingly enough, frontman and main Stiff Finger Jake Burns has managed to craft a catchy, classic sounding punk album that sounds nothing like what you're hearing on the radio today. Don't get me wrong, the riffs are catchy, and upon repeated listens, I could certainly see myself singing along to the poignant lyrics, but if someone were to ask me what band this record reminds me of, I'd be hard pressed to name even one. Paying tribute to a recently deceased punk legend - Joe Sturmmer - on the album's second track "Strummerville" may seem like a cheap ploy to sell records, but given the history of these guys (they were contuntally compared to The Clash in their early years), the songs comes off more heartfelt than album-sales motivated. For a band from '77, they can still pull it off in 2004...and they do it fairly well.

The Kinison
What Are You Listening To?
La Salle Records
By: Lenny Nero
My first experience with The Kinison was seeing them live a few years back. The raw energy of the music, coupled with the frantic performance of frontman Chris Lewis (who was climbing the lighting rig, jumping off the drum riser, etc) caused my friend and I to look at each other and simultaneously proclaim "these guys are the new At The Drive-In." The release of their debut EP, Mortgage is Bank reaffirmed that statement; however, with this, their major label debut, the boys have refined their sound, and are no longer ATDI clones (not that there's anything wrong with being compared to one of the most ground-breaking bands in the past 10 years). From spastic guitars and screamy vocals, to toned down emo-tinged rock lyrics ("It gets worse when you're not by my side. It gets worse worse baby working 9 to 5," exclaims the song "Wild and Crazy Kids"), The Kinison are well on their way to being "the next big thing." And while their debut full length really knocks my sock off, there's just no comparison to their live performance.

Ponder
Think About It
Self Released
By: Lenny Nero
Afteer disbanding his former rock group Epstein's Mother, local music hero/mainstay Shawn Eiferman has re-emerged with a new pop-rock venture calling themselves Ponder. Think About It, the band's self-released debut CD is chock full of radio ready adult contemporary alt-rock. These guys could easily be lumped in with the Matchbox Twenty or Lifehouse set, and be welcomed with open arms. One can certainly see why these guys have such a loyal following even though they've only been together for less than a year. Slick production and non-threatening lyrics and songs a la Dave Matthews should secure these gents a slot on Top 40 radio. Don't be surprised if you start hearing a lot more from Ponder in the very near future.

The Skatalites and Friends
Phoenix City
Trojan Records
By: Guy Bombardo
More John Barry (of James Bond soundtrack fame) than Bob Marley but influential on both, this jam packed two CD retrospective of Jamaica's premier instrumental band from back in the day should please hep fans and newcomers alike. Unfortunately, the first song might turn some listeners off because it sounds like it was recorded in a cardboard box. By song six, the band exhibits a groove that's reminiscent of Grant Green funky Blue Note jazz. The rest is straight up ska, with horns that sometimes hint at a blend of Sun Ra and mariachi, plus a definite focus on the Rhythm and Blues coming down from the States at the time. A smorgasbord of sixties Jah hipster groove.

amber halo
Stealing Insulin
Big Lizard Records
By Hektor D. Esparza
Amber Halo’s music is the new acid rock. It flows off the disk like high fructose corn syrup from a baby’s bottle. Dreamy riffs lull you into a delirium not unlike the kind following a fiendish sugar rush. Melodious rock. Surfers will dig it. Imagine blood green veins swelling with ooze and sonic vibrations. But not like that. Describe it, but don’t say anything stupid like Weezer meets Ween at a party thrown by Frank Zappa. Just groove with it. Turn it up some. There, that’s better isn’t it? And really, when you think about it, it’s totally original, mostly, and not a bad listen at all.