Reviews 10-12-03
The Berlin Project: The Things We Say
This is just way too commercial for me and on top of that it doesn't even
sound good production wise.
Especially the guitar. Way too scratchy. The vocals are flat at
points and being a musician, hearing
flat vocals is like sticking a hot poker in my ears. Just could not get
into this for a variety of reasons;
stylistically, songwriting, vocals and guitar.
Orangepeel
www.prangepeel.com
www.berlinproject.com
Between The Lines: Wake Up Call
Probably one of the best oldschool hardcore bands around right now, yet one
of the least known in the US.
Although European metal bands seem to easily cross over to the American scene,
European hardcore bands have
not been so fortunate. Why is this? Maybe the long term success of
euro-metal bands and the demand for same?
Maybe the fact that hardcore is more or less and American form of music?
Maybe this Belgian band can help change some
of this division of the euro and US scenes with this excellent CD. It
opens with the Cro-Mags like ass kicker
Wake Up Call and just moves on from there. Ranges from fast and furious to
mid pace and grinding. All packed
with energy and with a production sound that kills. This is oldschool New
York style hardcore, played the way hardcore
is meant to be. No emotional pretensions, no metal guitar
wizardry, just straight forward hardcore guitars, breakdowns and
classic riffing. Get this one and check out what's going on over on the
other side of the Atlantic.
Funtime
Favorite Song: Burnt Out
www.funtimerecords.com
Fiddler Records: Wet Hot
American Sampler
Sampler of bands on Fiddler Records. Runs the gamut
from mellow to raging. I especially like the modern
metal sound of The Bled's "The Sound Of Sulfur" and The alterna-rock
of Recover's "Inhale Water." Has an
excellent chunky hook and great vocals. The other bands are Paladin,
The Higher and Salem. All playing
styles I'm not particularly interested in pop-punk for example. They at
least sound good though.
Seems like Fiddler has some quality bands to offer. Ha ha ha This came for free
with AP. Figured I would
review it though. hey why not? Thanks for the CD Fiddler!
Fiddler
www.fiddlerrecords.com
PhuckFace: Itch That Should Not Be
Judging by this song, Phuckphace is a good band. Heavy stuff
mixed with some mellower parts and an awesome breakdown.
Reminds me of Mr. Bungle. Great production sound on the song.
Met one of the guys from the band at a show recently,
seemed like cool people. I would like to hear more of their songs,
especially if it is all as good as this song.
For info call the hotline: 973-823-9442
Story Of The Year: Page Avenue
I'm sure most of you have heard the ubiquitous Until The Day I Die
by now. Ha ha ha. Although annoying as hell ,
you have to admit; it's a very catchy song. The other 11 tracks on
Page Avenue bear little resemblance to
the above mentioned track. The tracks range from straight ahead hardcore
on Falling Down to airy ballads and some
straight ahead alternative rock as well. All in all a well put together CD
of modern heavy rock. Fans of bands such
as AFI will enjoy this CD. This CD holds my attention mainly
due to the variety of styles offered.
Maverick