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Another Mother – Demo (self released)
(no cover image available)
This is a solid, well produced effort from a northeast Ohio
band to watch. Although comparisons to Pearl Jam and Creed are unavoidable due
to the vocals, further attention reveals a band with its own sound. There are
elements of classic rock and metal, as well as modern alternative rock. On the
whole, the musicianship is top notch, generally steering clear of the same
tired, typical power chord riffing while still remaining heavy. Despite the
element of familiarity, the vocals are also excellent. The lyrics are well
written, passionate, and personal. I should have known right away when I heard
the quality of the production that this was recorded at Bill Korecky’s Mars
Studio. Of the nine tracks included here, “Bad Medicine” is probably the track
that grabs my attention the most, a catchy, slightly melancholy rocker that
would fit right in on modern rock radio. Another standout track, “Wasted Daze”,
recalls Black Sabbath’s “The Wizard” with its use of bluesy harmonica. The
Sabbath influence also comes through on “Silver”, a more overtly “doom” sounding
number. The CD closes with the uptempo rocker “Last Good Day”, which recalls
Pearl Jam at their most rocking. For more info, go to the band’s website. (Bob
Ignizio)
Audioslave – Audioslave (Epic/Interscope)
Audioslave delivers pretty much what you’d expect from a
collaboration between Chris Cornell and Rage Against the Machine: the kick ass
groove rock of Rage tempered by the melodic sensibilities of ex-Soundgarden
vocalist Cornell. I’ve seen some reviews label this album as weak sounding, but
I just can’t agree. Rick Rubin’s usual top drawer production job combined with
a great batch of songs equals pure rock bliss for this reviewer. Sure, it’s not
as relentlessly aggressive as Rage. But what Audioslave lack in brute force
they more than make up for with songwriting ability. While Rage could usually
muster 3 or 4 standout tracks per album, the rest was pretty much nondescript
filler in my opinion. Here, almost every song stands out. “Cochise”, the first
single, sets the tone for the album with its funky riffing and Tom Morello’s
usual high quality fretwork. Cornell, whose solo albums found him in mellowing
out somewhat, is back in full on rock mode on this track. The mellow side does
come through on songs like “I am the Highway” and “Like a Stone”, both top notch
ballads, but for the most part this album rocks. While corporate clones like
Creed have taken the nineties alternative rock sound and watered it down to
appeal to the lowest common denominator, Audioslave have seemingly arrived in
the nick of time to show them how it’s supposed to be done. Lyrically, this
album is all Cornell; vague and personal. Those expecting the politics of Rage
should take heed of these lines from “Cochise”: “I’m not a martyr, I’m not a
prophet, and I won’t preach to you”. (Bob Ignizio)
"Demons" -
'Stockholm Slump' (Gearhead Records)
Gearhead Records seems to have a knack for signing some of
the world's greatest rock and roll bands. In keeping with Gearhead's
garagy-greaseball-tune-up-your-big-block-V8 roster, the oddly-punctuated
"Demons" come out swinging with their latest release, ‘Stockholm Slump’. The
album is 12 tracks of fast and loud punk rock 'n' roll. Some of the riffs are a
bit cliché, like "The Devil In Me". Even then, they manage to make the chord
progression inventive enough to like. This release is aural
morphine--completely addictive and hard to take out of the CD player. I
guarantee you'll find yourself tapping your foot, nodding your head, and/or
singing along with at least half of this album, especially with songs like
"Degeneration Hotel" ("da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-DEGENERA-SHONE!!!")
and the slower but forceful "We Ain't Goin' Nowhere", complete with blues harp
solo. And for the folks out there who think rock and roll is dead--this album
is living proof that it’s alive and well. (Adam LaSotta)
The Donnas – ‘Spend the Night’ (Atlantic )
It’s funny how things change over time. When I first
started listening to punk rock music in the eighties, a band like The Donnas
would probably have been considered damn near glam rock. I don’t mean that as a
slam, it’s just the truth. The Donnas play straight-forward, seventies style
melodic hard rock right down to the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll lyrics.
That’s just what they do. Of course they do it all with irony, tongues planted
firmly in their cheeks. Taking their cue from such obvious influences as AC/DC
and The Ramones, The Donnas have an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy
towards their music. If you liked their previous albums and want more of the
same, you won’t be disappointed. The Donnas are by no means groundbreaking, but
they at least know how to borrow a good riff and make it work for them and never
take themselves too seriously. For just plain old fun rock ‘n’ roll, you can’t
really go wrong with songs like “You Wanna Get Me High” and “Take it Off”.
Admittedly the album does get a bit monotonous by the end. The tempo and mode
of attack varies little from song to song, and the vocals are a bit bland.
There’s also no escaping the feeling of having been here before. That probably
won’t matter to most of the target audience, though. In the final analysis,
‘Spend the Night’ is a decent, though far from mind blowing, rock record from
four ladies who have clearly studied their music history. (Bob Ignizio)
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