CD Reviews Pt 1: July 1997
Archived
Wonderboy
Napoleon Blown Apart
Racer Records
There are some publicists who realize that hundreds of CDs are released each month. Sometimes a worthy disc gets lost in the stacks. Wonderboy needs to thank their publicist because she believes in the band enough to follow-up. Unlike a few other publicists I could name, her band is good enough that repeated phone and E-mail requests for some press don’t become irritating. Wonderboy is another of those guitar pop bands. They have a punk edge, and lo and behold, the ability to mix hornless ska with their pop. That’s right, “Unconditional Love” is the skanking song. Robbie Rist is the singer/guitar/keyboard man. For some reason his distinctive vocal style brought on a memory of one Feargal Sharkey, an Irishman of some renown.
If Napoleon Blown Apart has a low point it is the ballad. Wonderboy is at their best when they are jumping about with their light-hearted pop. “Empty” is a downer in more ways than one. The band recovers with pure silliness, “Happy? That’s Me!” Sharkey was always mildly irritating to my ears. Rist is the same. A mildly irritating vocalist is hardly a reason to write the band off. Mildly irritating is better than gruff boy or growling and that is certainly a relief in the days of Counting Crows, Live, Hootie, Seven Mary Three, Our Lady Peace and last but far from least, the Freewheelers.
The CD and the band are as pleasant an example of modern pop as anyone could desire. Pop doesn’t mean Hanson and that is a problem for Wonderboy. If the English can’t do it with the likes of Menswear, Longpigs and Pulp how in the hell do Americans like Wonderboy expect to break through the anti-pop conspiracy? Critics don’t buy CDs and the general public is too musically challenged to seek out anything that isn’t endorsed by Mr. Radio Consultant. Allow me to steal a word from Lany Miller and give out this information. I first encountered Racer Records when I dialed up their 800 number and asked for a free sampler. That is a “neat” idea. Call 1-800-5-RACER-5 for more information on Wonderboy and the entire Racer catalog. —Little Christy
Walt Mink
Colossus
Deep Elm Records
What’s important to you? Guitar? Drums? Vocals/lyrics? How about all of the aforementioned? Good! If this is the case for you, my friend, then the sounds of Walt Mink will come on strong to you like sweet whiskey at the old Bar & Grill. Whipping up smooth vocals that tease the listener, not attack, they draw you into the seemingly innocent swirl of sound and noise before putting the hook deep into your attention. The obvious secret to the power of this trio is the complex simplicity that pours out of every song, blending many factions of rock (funk, core, metal, punk?), with a direct pop formula that makes for easy listening and enjoyment, no matter how crazy the rhythms or guitar work become (which is also a greater part of their appeal!)
The sweet note to make on this veteran indie band is you just cannot categorize them, only recognize styles and influences, and bottom line-enjoy the experience! It is truly unique! Measure them in extremes, but set the dials wide, since they will rot all sides. Melodic and smooth, rough and tough, Walt Mink sets new standards for new music in this age of endless copycats. Face the future…Face Walt Mink! —Billy Fish
Sunday Puncher
The Livid Eye
Turnbuckle Records
Oh, yeah! This is my favorite new unknown band of the month by far! You just cannot go wrong with a powerful and crunchy guitar followed by a tight and punchy bass/drum mix. Pushing the harder core sound, try mixing the sound of old Rollins Band with the kick of Helmet, adding just a touch of Discord days Jawbox. Wow! I let this disc spin at the station and my fellow electronic employees went bloody bananas! I felt a little nostalgia for the time I first heard Quicksand, giving me a refreshing slap across the face as well. This band is tight, going through the heavy chords and sounds of a true post-punk band with a taste of semimetal thrown in to boot. The production on this album is amazing, pushing the tip of the redline without losing any of the punch of this hungry band’s raw sound. Turnbuckle has quite the lineup of bands and is a label to look out for in the near future. Get turned on to Sunday Puncher at your local indie store today! —Billy Fish
Shiner
Lula Divinia
DeSoto Records
What does the rest of the world listen to these days, besides the radio and MTV-inspired consumer bullshit? I’m still confused about the commercial success of Marilyn Manson… didn’t Alice Cooper do the same damn thing almost thirty years ago? Damn you, Trent, for letting that infection rise to the surface! Anyway, unless you’re living in an oblivious hole or floating in the middle of the mainstream culture, indie music is so huge and diverse that everyone should be able to find something that can tickle their fancy, no matter what the taste. Take Shiner, a sweeter new band with plenty of pop overtones alongside an urgent guitar that makes for some seriously good tuneage.
Without the constant radio play or art school dropout video interpretation, bands like this either have to tour constantly, or luck out and find a spot in a local rag like the wondrous SLUG to get any publicity. Well, they did luck out and found a voice through this reviewer. No comparisons or cliches, just full-on praises for a new band that deserves it for a change. But don’t listen to my written word, check them out and see why the indie scene is, and will always be, the most innovative place for new music in the industry today. —Billy Fish
Various Artists
Creepy Crawl Live
Another Planet Records
When was the last time you got to see 15 bands for eight bucks? I’m not talking the last 15 minute wonders of the MTV generation at the local buzz bin show, but some serious underground sounds from bands that are so fresh and spastic, they play and tour just for the sheer love of punk/hardcore. From the heart means the heart! Last year the suckers at Coney Island High put on a show of unequaled proportions, recording the live sounds of the angst and anger of some of the nations toughest new bands, including Murphy’s Law, Crown of Thornz, Killing Time and Sub Zero. Damn, but this is a heavy recording, especially for a live show. In fact, this is one of the best compilations/live discs out in the last year. If you want a taste of the new and nasty hardcore scene, this is right up your alley. —Billy Fish
The El Caminos
Reverb Explosion!
Del-Fi Records
Riding the wave of retro surf sounds, this latest group from Japan is hitting American shores and kicking up a lot of sand and attention. The El Caminos are truly a unique band, playing classic reverbesque 60s surf tunes, but from the viewpoint of the far east meets Dick Dale. What a cool and wacky combo! Using only vintage equipment in the form of old Fender amps and jag/jazzmaster guitars, the old school sound is deep in twang and electric slurp. They even have the balls to pull off an old Hendrix solo, entitled “Hornet’s Nest,” and give it a fresh and tasty new surf sound. Inspired by the classic sounds of old California bands like the Sentinels and the Romancers, this dynamic foursome is a force to be reckoned with, especially with the lack of real surf bands created in the 90s, not thirty years ago, and seems to be one of the only true sources for beach guitar work these days. Like taking a ride on the crest of an electric tsunami, The El Caminos play the music that first surfaced in early 60s California, but now rages worldwide to represent a lost age of clean-cut surfing and pure-sounding guitar. —Billy Fish
Camber
Beautiful Charade
Deep Elm Records
Ok, I’ll admit it, damn-it! I like melody! And not the trite repetitive manure of today’s sink-along, pop, MTV-buzz bin that sticks in your head like dogshit on your shoe. I’m talking about the subtle bite that creeps up under your skin and lays down a foundation that surfaces on the tip of your tongue when you least expect it, man! Forget the groups that beat you over the head with their all-too-catchy tunes to breed idiots – give me the band that will blow a musical kiss into my ear that won’t leave – because I love it! Emocore has always centered around this style, mixing complex harmonies and guitar that bleeds emotional response. Like other postpunk bands like Seaweed and Sunny Day Real Estate, Camber is a thoughtful band that pushes more bittersweet power than can be handled in just one seating. The CD begs to be played again, spewing tense aggression and loving anger that needs to be heard numerous times before catching the true flavor of this musical event. The closest compassion of its effect would be hearing Built to Spill’s Ultimate Alternative Wavers for the first time. Maybe not the same sound, but the same feel. It’s that strong, really! Never settling for one feeling or emotion, Camber will take the listener through the wringer, drained from the experience and still wanting more of the same treatment. —Billy Fish
Dagan
The Awakening
Oh dear. The end is near and someone has listened to an excessive number of Black Sabbath albums — science fiction, fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons. It is time to pull out the hood and cowl, stick the scepter in my fist and call on the Wizard of the Wasatch alter-ego. Battles, souls, living day by day, taking what you can from the warrior’s way? Toss in Monday Nitro with the previous Dungeons & Dragons reference. Warrior souls, trapped in dreams at night? What? Time for the customary guitar solo — bass, drums, keyboards, sensitive guitar and then back to the vocals. “Some way, somehow you’ll find your peace?” What?
Low end. “How stupid do you think we are to not see your disguise.” How stupid do you think I am to “never break my vow of silence” and my attempts at “always fighting the system” while I never “break the silence.” I will “never break my vow of silence.” I promise, I swear, don’t make me break the silence — guitar solo, bass break, drum rumble, cymbal crash, vocals. This Dagon disc pretty much stinks.
But wait. Who is that on guitar for the opening chords of “Midnight Lady?” Someone has listened to Grady Martin of – was it Chet, or was it Roy, or Cliffy, nah it had to be Knopfler. Shut that singer up and play the guitar, boy. No, no, don’t retreat to posturing, don’t do it, don’t… Oh well. And then there is a sister giving herself to the demons. Look here buddy, I know Tania and while she might be possessed by demons that “sister” would never “give” herself to them. Extended guitar solo, more extended, yet sensitive, guitar solo, vocals. Now everyone sing! Cliche, cliche, cliche and prepare for the finale, 1-2-3-4, silence. Next song. Bring on the acoustic, plant that trademark on every single metal album ever recorded right on the forehead. 666 we’re Dagon. Thank you and good night. I suggest that you contact Scott Iwasaki at the Deseret News. Get some counseling, it can’t hurt and maybe you’ll stop playing Dungeons & Dragons before you kill someone. —Emilio
Bailter Space
Capsul
Turnbuckle Records
The space cadets from New Zealand are back to raise the decimal levels to high red with this latest slice of yummy pie. In the past, Bailter Space attacked with an overload of sonic terror, but with Capsul, the catchy solo efforts that had been thrown together very sloppily in the past. I hate to use the term immature, but that would be how I would describe the album, especially considering the poor mixes in the past with their otherwise amazing work. Newcomers to the band will find a vital power trio that stands out easily from the usual drivel of today’s rock, while old fans will hear a new sound from Bailter that hopefully keep them loyal and digging the progress changes that stand out. —Billy Fish
Britton
Rock Harder
M2 Records
The first time I listened to Rock Harder I couldn’t believe the CD was released in 1997. How could anyone transport every imaginable pop metal/cock rock cliche into the present? Is Michael Britton Rip Van Winkel? As it turns out, he isn’t. The CD was released before in LP format. Nirvana destroyed the careers of countless “cock-rock” musicians including Britton. Now that the shell shock has worn off, some of them are making comeback attempts. In 1997 Rock Harder appears on CD and this time it is a “Collectors Edition.” “Bring on the body, bring on the beat, she’s got you sitting on the edge of your seat,1-2-3-4, Bring on the body, bring on the beat,” now that is an impressive lyric! The song is “Bring On The Body.” Keyboards, anthemic choruses where the whole band joins in, guitar solos, guitar solos, guitar solos and Michael Britton wailing. Man! That is rock and roll! Rock Harder is highly recommended to anyone who purchased the latest Styx, Boston, Poison, Journey and Cinderella CDs. Apartment dwellers are encouraged to consider it a “headphone” album because the neighbors will surely believe a dolt lives next door if the music penetrates the walls. I can only smirk, except… there is a final song — “On Top And Ready.” Check out these lyrics. There isn’t a lyric sheet and I’m hoping I’ve transcribed them correctly. “Hey baby, come on in, so nice to see you. I’ve been told, you play it bold, and I’m ready for a wild with you. You’ve something to explain, about the whips and chains. Tear it up, get lost, don’t let go. On top and ready. Tie me up, get down, let it flow. On top and ready. On top and ready.” There is also something about slamming it in. That song was not on the original LP. Due to the downright dirty guitar solo and lack of keyboards or backing vocals it is entirely possible that Michael Britton actually composed and recorded it in his home studio. If Britton has more of these he’s ready for a career scoring porno flicks or working as the music director for American Bush. Sell the cock-rock to the sex industry. —Emilio
Beat Angels
Red Badge Of Discourage
!Epiphany! Records
The CD cover mimics a cheap crime novel. The band name, Beat Angels, when combined with the cover brings an image of garage, surf, lounge or even rockabilly. Turn the disc over and discover “produced by Gilby Clarke.” Okay, it must be a metal band. The Beat Angels are in fact a power pop band from Phoenix. Cheap Trick is mentioned in their little biography, but The Who is also mentioned and that band is nearly relevant. T-Rex and the Beatles receive a mention — why, I’m not sure. The T-Rex reference is probably directly related to the glitter aspects of the two song titles — “My Glum Sugar-Plum” and “Glitter Girl.”
The major question has to be: why do power pop and glitter in the ‘90s? The answer must be the current love of all things ‘70s. The lyrics only continue the weirdness. The Beat Angels would get along well with Disque 9 and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult if either of those made the mistake of actually entering a Phoenix sex parlor instead of a discoteche. The lyrics describe cheap drunks, cheap drugs, cheap whores and trailer park love. The girls are all tarts and the boys are all heavy alcohol abusers. Take the lyrics of life on the wrong side of the tracks and imagine The Who doing the “Kids Are All Right” or “Tommy.” Imagine Cheap Trick and “Surrender.” There are direct thefts all over the disc. What makes Red Badge of Discourage an interesting disc is the way these guys have compiled all the hooks of power pop with all the trash of countless trailer park metal and garage bands. Kerrang loved it. I’m listening to it more and more as the freeways around Salt Lake City become two lane parking lots and the side streets turn into dirt roads. So far power pop hasn’t caught on, but then again, glitter hasn’t enjoyed much of a resurgence either. If the Beat Angels somehow managed to come up with the right costume, a combination of trailer park and glitter they might spark a new revival of retro. —Little Christy
Of course there’s always the possibility that we didn’t receive your CD…
Read more CD Reviews from the SLUG archives:
Written in Blood: July 1997
Seven Inches of Sausage: July 1997
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