Assrockers – ‘Suggestive Material’
(The Living Room)
I’ve got no problem
with neo seventies riff rock. It’s just with all the bands past and present who
have mined this territory, it takes a lot to make me take notice these days.
And sadly, Assrockers don’t offer up anything that special here. Based on the
band member’s names (“Riff Rockwell” and “Bison Roughbottom” among them) and
some of the lyrics, this may have been done with tongue firmly planted in
cheek. That’s fine, but even if it’s supposed to be funny the songs have to be
good. But everything on ‘Suggestive Material’ is just… okay. The band is
tight, the musicianship is fine, and the production is about as good as you
could want. But songs like “Tonight We Came to Rock” and “All Hell’s Breaking
Loose Tonight” are just so standard-issue I can’t really get into this. (Bob
Ignizio)
This
is minimalistic, clangy, noisy rock with lots of emphasis on repetitive riffs,
the bass upfront in the mix, and shouted/screamed vocals. Reminds me of Jesus
Lizard, Fugazi, Helmet, Cop Shoot Cop, Nomeansno, Sonic Youth and even Nirvana
blended with a bit of Black Flag style hardcore. It’s abrasive, ugly, and
angry, and yet still kind of catchy. Not necessarily groundbreaking, but
certainly distinctive. And at least to my ears, quite good. It feels maybe a
little short for an album, but better to leave people wanting more than to wear
out your welcome. If you like dark and noisy stuff that still has hooks,
definitely look into this band. (Bob Ignizio)
Black Trinity – ‘Demonic
Pleasures’ (Apocalyptic Records)
Nothing
new here, but that’s okay. What Cleveland’s Black Trinity lack in originality
they make up for with a winning combination of brutality and catchiness. This
is melodic black metal at its best. No keyboards or “clean” vocals, but the
relentless assault of the band is tempered with good use of dynamics and plenty
of memorable guitar licks. The band lists such progressive leaning bands as
Dimmu Borgir and Old Man’s Child among their influences, and that’s plain to
hear on this 10 song collection. It’s all aided and abetted by the excellent
production work of Brandon Youngs of Track Six Studios, giving this “local” band
the polished sheen of a major international metal act. And with an album this
good, there’s no reason why Black Trinity can’t be just that. For more info
visit
www.apocalypticrecords.com.
Although
I don’t generally go out of my way to listen to rap or hip-hop, I do like
rappers who have something of substance to say and back their vocals up with
music and beats that are musically interesting. Elsie Law is just such a
rapper. Her 7 track CD ‘Fly or Die’ offers sincere observations about the
world, a smooth vocal delivery, and backing tracks that incorporate classical,
jazz, and the blues. Although there are humorous touches here and there, for
the most part the subject matter on ‘Fly or Die’ (which includes police
prejudice and abortion) is more serious than most of what makes it onto MTV or
radio these days. All in all, a refreshing surprise. If more rap was like
this, I might listen to more rap. (Bob Ignizio)
I’ve got no problem
with neo seventies riff rock. It’s just with all the bands past and present who
have mined this territory, it takes a lot to make me take notice these days.
And sadly, Assrockers don’t offer up anything that special here. Based on the
band member’s names (“Riff Rockwell” and “Bison Roughbottom” among them) and
some of the lyrics, this may have been done with tongue firmly planted in
cheek. That’s fine, but even if it’s supposed to be funny the songs have to be
good. But everything on ‘Suggestive Material’ is just… okay. The band is
tight, the musicianship is fine, and the production is about as good as you
could want. But songs like “Tonight We Came to Rock” and “All Hell’s Breaking
Loose Tonight” are just so standard-issue I can’t really get into this. (Bob
Ignizio)
This
is minimalistic, clangy, noisy rock with lots of emphasis on repetitive riffs,
the bass upfront in the mix, and shouted/screamed vocals. Reminds me of Jesus
Lizard, Fugazi, Helmet, Cop Shoot Cop, Nomeansno, Sonic Youth and even Nirvana
blended with a bit of Black Flag style hardcore. It’s abrasive, ugly, and
angry, and yet still kind of catchy. Not necessarily groundbreaking, but
certainly distinctive. And at least to my ears, quite good. It feels maybe a
little short for an album, but better to leave people wanting more than to wear
out your welcome. If you like dark and noisy stuff that still has hooks,
definitely look into this band. (Bob Ignizio)
Nothing
new here, but that’s okay. What Cleveland’s Black Trinity lack in originality
they make up for with a winning combination of brutality and catchiness. This
is melodic black metal at its best. No keyboards or “clean” vocals, but the
relentless assault of the band is tempered with good use of dynamics and plenty
of memorable guitar licks. The band lists such progressive leaning bands as
Dimmu Borgir and Old Man’s Child among their influences, and that’s plain to
hear on this 10 song collection. It’s all aided and abetted by the excellent
production work of Brandon Youngs of Track Six Studios, giving this “local” band
the polished sheen of a major international metal act. And with an album this
good, there’s no reason why Black Trinity can’t be just that. For more info
visit
Although
I don’t generally go out of my way to listen to rap or hip-hop, I do like
rappers who have something of substance to say and back their vocals up with
music and beats that are musically interesting. Elsie Law is just such a
rapper. Her 7 track CD ‘Fly or Die’ offers sincere observations about the
world, a smooth vocal delivery, and backing tracks that incorporate classical,
jazz, and the blues. Although there are humorous touches here and there, for
the most part the subject matter on ‘Fly or Die’ (which includes police
prejudice and abortion) is more serious than most of what makes it onto MTV or
radio these days. All in all, a refreshing surprise. If more rap was like
this, I might listen to more rap. (Bob Ignizio)