The Atlantic Manor – ‘The
Trouble That You Left’ and ‘Sneaking Up On The Death Scene’ (Do Too Records)
R. Sell brings us 2
albums that were both recorded "very quickly in one or two takes". The lack of
planning and quick recording is noticeable. The result is a pair of very raw
records that sound a lot like Neil Young's ‘Harvest’. The title cut on ‘Sneaking
Up On The Death Scene’ could also pass as a Bob Seger song (not that there's
anything wrong with that). Anyways, it's not that these albums aren't good, but
it's just that they don't offer anything new. I would suggest picking up any of
the earlier Manor stuff, as these records sound rushed and recycled. To order
either of these CDs, go to
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/atlanticmanor5 and
http://www.cdbaby.com/atlanticmanor6. (Eddie Fleisher)
First Kill
the Hippies release ‘Erectospective’, now NE Ohio’s other long running
punk/alternative/weirdo band releases this. ‘1990-2005’ is three discs worth of
music covering the whole existence of C.D. Truth, and I think it’s fair to say
it’s mainly for serious fans of the band. In particular, the band’s early
material will be daunting even to many of the band’s more recent converts,
seeing as it often veers into prog rock territory. It’s good stuff, don’t get
me wrong, just vastly different from what can be found on the group’s previous
two discs ‘Seedy’ and ‘Chemically Dependent’. But fans of the band’s current
style should find plenty to enjoy in this monumental collection, as well. Aside
from alternate versions of several songs from the band’s two previously released
discs, you’ll also find unreleased demos and covers from the same time period.
It’s a given when dealing with a band as adventurous as C.D. Truth that not
every experiment ends in success, but over all this is an enjoyable collection.
Could it have been narrowed down to two discs or even one? Probably. But if
you’re a fan, you’ll want it all, and at the very reasonable price of ten bucks
why the hell not? For more info, visit
http://www.cdtruth.com. (Bob Ignizio)
City
Weezle is one of those bands that combine hard rock with jazz and funk elements
and quirky lyrics. There are similarities to Primus, Clutch, Mr. Bungle, and
Frank Zappa, but overall I'd say City Weezle sound like their own band. No
doubt this description of the band is enough to send some people screaming in
the opposite direction. However, for the small but dedicated fanbase who enjoys
this style of music, you’ll want to check this French band out. Despite the
potential for this to be “musician music”, the four songs here highlight City
Weezle’s songwriting as much, if not more so, than their ability to shred. The
story song “Vampire Boy” is probably my favorite, but all four tracks are good.
City Weezle may not be quite on the level of their influences just yet, but
based on this disc I’d say they have the potential to be. You can check ‘em out
for yourself at
http://cityweezle.free.fr/accueil2.html. (Bob Ignizio)
Dear Whoever – ‘Sound the
Trumpet’ (Broken Line Records)
Yawn.
More screamo/metalcore blandness. You know the drill. Angsty shouting
alternates with whiny “clean” vocals while generic metal/hardcore riffs get
pounded out. Sounds like every other band on ‘Headbanger’s Ball’ these days.
Absolutely nothing stands out about this. Note: in the interest of efficiency
I’ve used this exact same review for The Never Enders. Hey, if these bands are
all so intent on sounding the generic, then they deserve a generic review. (Bob
Ignizio)
R. Sell brings us 2
albums that were both recorded "very quickly in one or two takes". The lack of
planning and quick recording is noticeable. The result is a pair of very raw
records that sound a lot like Neil Young's ‘Harvest’. The title cut on ‘Sneaking
Up On The Death Scene’ could also pass as a Bob Seger song (not that there's
anything wrong with that). Anyways, it's not that these albums aren't good, but
it's just that they don't offer anything new. I would suggest picking up any of
the earlier Manor stuff, as these records sound rushed and recycled. To order
either of these CDs, go to 
First Kill
the Hippies release ‘Erectospective’, now NE Ohio’s other long running
punk/alternative/weirdo band releases this. ‘1990-2005’ is three discs worth of
music covering the whole existence of C.D. Truth, and I think it’s fair to say
it’s mainly for serious fans of the band. In particular, the band’s early
material will be daunting even to many of the band’s more recent converts,
seeing as it often veers into prog rock territory. It’s good stuff, don’t get
me wrong, just vastly different from what can be found on the group’s previous
two discs ‘Seedy’ and ‘Chemically Dependent’. But fans of the band’s current
style should find plenty to enjoy in this monumental collection, as well. Aside
from alternate versions of several songs from the band’s two previously released
discs, you’ll also find unreleased demos and covers from the same time period.
It’s a given when dealing with a band as adventurous as C.D. Truth that not
every experiment ends in success, but over all this is an enjoyable collection.
Could it have been narrowed down to two discs or even one? Probably. But if
you’re a fan, you’ll want it all, and at the very reasonable price of ten bucks
why the hell not? For more info, visit 
City
Weezle is one of those bands that combine hard rock with jazz and funk elements
and quirky lyrics. There are similarities to Primus, Clutch, Mr. Bungle, and
Frank Zappa, but overall I'd say City Weezle sound like their own band. No
doubt this description of the band is enough to send some people screaming in
the opposite direction. However, for the small but dedicated fanbase who enjoys
this style of music, you’ll want to check this French band out. Despite the
potential for this to be “musician music”, the four songs here highlight City
Weezle’s songwriting as much, if not more so, than their ability to shred. The
story song “Vampire Boy” is probably my favorite, but all four tracks are good.
City Weezle may not be quite on the level of their influences just yet, but
based on this disc I’d say they have the potential to be. You can check ‘em out
for yourself at
Yawn.
More screamo/metalcore blandness. You know the drill. Angsty shouting
alternates with whiny “clean” vocals while generic metal/hardcore riffs get
pounded out. Sounds like every other band on ‘Headbanger’s Ball’ these days.
Absolutely nothing stands out about this. Note: in the interest of efficiency
I’ve used this exact same review for The Never Enders. Hey, if these bands are
all so intent on sounding the generic, then they deserve a generic review. (Bob
Ignizio)