December 2002 CD Reviews

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Ozzfest Live 2002
DIVINE

   Commemorating the annual sonically-damaging, testosterone-laden happening known as Ozzfest, this 16-track CD provides a glimpse of what the show had to offer on this past summer's tour. And while the live forum isn't the forte of every band on this disc, the underlying spirit is very much present in every track. Standouts include Rob Zombie's remix of "More Human Than Human", the always mesmerizing System of a Down's "Needles", and 3rd Strike's rap-rock anthem "All Lies". If that's not enough for you, how about the masterful collaboration of Andrew W.K. and Kelly Osbourne? Weren't we all just waiting for that? If you missed the show (or were too stoned to remember any of it), this live offering may be the trick to jostle your burnt brain. www.columbiarecords.com
- Mike SOS


THE DIRTMITTS
Get On
SONIC UNYON

    The sophomore full-length release from this Vancouver quartet is destined to be an indie classic. With lead singer Natasha Thirsk's breathy vocals and a solid bass beat, the band is eerily reminiscent of Tanya Donnelly and Belly at their best. The recent dearth of female-fronted bands on radio leaves a wide-open space for the melodic offerings on this disc. Whether or not the myopic playlists of local radio stations will play anything besides growling metal and neo-classic rock is another thing altogether. The Dirtmitts is one of the best things to come out of Canada since hockey. Give this fine recording a listen and check out the band's Website at www.sonicunyon.com.
- Dug

BIOLICH
Biolich
SELF-RELEASED

   From Long Island, it came: the terror known as Biolich, a grindcore outfit whose song titles are more confusing than a Chinese newspaper (to one who doesn't speak Chinese, of course) and whose musical display contains nary a sign of melody-but monstrous Cookie Monsteresque vocals aplenty. Billed as guttural, technical grindcore, Biolich sounds like the noises your stomach makes after eating a whole sack of White Castle burgers at the end of a drunken evening. Thus, the boys have succeeded in not only replicating dyspeptic rumblings, but also in whipping up some fine noise and grind. For the true connoisseur of the genre, these boys from the outer reaches of suburban New York are ready to rip your face off. www.biolich.com
- Mike SOS

TWO THIRTY EIGHT
You Should Be Living
TOOTH AND NAIL

   This is Two Thirty Eight's second album on Tooth & Nail, and it's a change from the band's usual rock-oriented work into a more jazzy feeling album. I'm not sure exactly what caused this transformation, but searching through the lyrics I found repeated references to "a broken chair," "stepping into the light," and "the holy glow." I'm not sure what the exact effects this combination has on a band, but with Two Thirty Eight you get a pretty mellow album with lots of fancy guitar parts. Basically, it's albums like this that make me believe anyone who picks up a guitar and doesn't break a chair stepping into the light can be a rock star.
-Chad

FALLING CYCLE
The Conflict
FACEDOWN RECORDS

   Here comes another chugga-chugga tough-guy metal-core release from facedown records. This release is nothing new or groundbreaking, but it's definitely tight musically. This Californian band has delivered a brutal metal assault that has hardcore breakdowns that can make your mother cry. You can hear a lot of 18 Visions, Throwdown, and Hatebreed influences in the band's writing. If you like your metal-core both tough and spiritual (yes, it's Christian), then Falling Cycle is the band for you.
- ADF

THE ORANGES BAND
On TV
LOOKOUT! RECORDS

   Mediocrity rears its ugly head on the seven-song debut from this Baltimore quartet. Though lead singer Roman Koebler's voice often sounds like Morrissey's, the bland rock beats on these songs are just too predictable to make this interesting. At times the band appears to be reaching for a garage-band or early-Who sound, but the lackluster guitars can't elevate this stuff much higher than Townsend's recent stage leaps. There is a very creepy feeling to the band's tune "Civic Minded 5", which sounds amazingly similar to the ancient The Knack tune "Good Girls Don't". These guys need to go back to the garage and work on the guitars.
- Dug

X
At Home With You
MORPHIUS RECORDS

   The seminal Australian punk band X's (i.e., not to be confused with the more famous L.A. band of the same name) no-nonsense 12-track second release AT HOME WITH YOU gets to see the light of day thanks to this Morphius Records reissue. To see a band be so far ahead of its era is something to behold, and X arguably paved the way for much of the indie/punk rock-and quite possibly the grunge-era. If you're seeking the roots of some of your favorite '90s bands, chances are they're on this reissue. Definitely worth it if you're a garage-rock or lo-fi freak. www.morphius.com
- Mike SOS

DOWNTOWN BROWN
Moist And Ridiculous
STATIC RECORDS

   Downtown Brown's new CD, MOIST & RIDICULOUS, blasts out of your stereo with some of the most humorous tunes I've heard in a quite a while. Part Sublime, part Pantera, and a bit of NOFX nostalgia, these guys play their own brand of music-which has got me pretty confused as to what sub-genre to label them as. Songs like "Body Rock", "Mullet Millennium", and their witty rendition of Rage Against the Machine's "Know Your Enemy" are enough to make you want to get up and do some kind of dance that may or may not correspond with the style of the given song on this CD. Regardless, check them out at www.staticrecords.com.
- J. Johnson

SON OF SKAM
Sign Of The Times
TOO DAMN HYPE

   From NYC hardcore bands Madball and Skarhead comes a hip-hop flavored, grim band called Son of Skam. Telling tales of urban blight from firsthand experiences, Son of Skam mixes the musical power of NYHC with the brutal truth of rap music to create a grisly yet accurate portrait of the true life of a hardcore thug in NYC. Be prepared to be appalled and shocked by the honesty of the rapper's styles and lyrical flow, but brace yourself harder for the backdrop of NYHC music kicking through your speakers. www.toodamnhype.com
- Mike SOS

CHANNEL 3
CH3
DR. STRANGE RECORDS

   Whoever said "you're too old to rock" was very wrong, dead wrong. Channel 3 is still going strong after all these years, and the band's new album is clearly a sign of good things to come. Playing a melodic style of punk rock that only the suburban wastelands of the greater Los Angeles area can produce, these four guys pound out 13 blistering tracks of punk rock like no one else. After reforming alongside the likes of The Skulls and Decry, these L.A. legends are riding the wave of punk rock into the new millennium. So pick up their new record at a store near you, or go visit them online at www.chthree.com.
- J. Johnson

THE BRAVES
That's The Hot Part
ARM'S REACH RECORDINGS

   The Braves was a pleasant surprise in my mailbox. This Rockford, Illinois-based band plays a mellow style of ambient rock that reminds me a lot of bands like Sebadoh, Guided by Voices, and old Samiam. Vocalist Joseph Reina has a very good voice that traps you in both its strong presence and its ability to create a captivating melody. A better studio recording would do this band justice, since the current release doesn't sound very refined. If you like rock bands such as Sebadoh and Yo La Tengo, then The Braves is definitely for you.
- ADF

SOURVEIN
Will To Mangle
SOUTHERN LORD

   Like it slow, deep, and heavy? Well, Sourvein will keep you right at home, then, as this doom troupe's eight-track release provides some deliberately hard and mercilessly pounding lows. Hope you're not in a hurry, because Sourvein's attack takes a while to soak in; but once it does, the heavy-handed sonic output is enough to make your ears bleed and your attention span increase 10-fold. For fans of the sludge, Sourvein delivers the goods in the most sluggish of ways. www.southernlord.com
- Mike SOS

LAST SECOND
Against All Odds
VANISHING POINT

   High-energy, driving rock with loads of attitude and hearty amounts adrenaline. Take the introspection and melody of bands like All, Hot Water Music, and Jets to Brazil and mix it with the intensity of bands like Strife and Thrice and the commercial appeal of bands like Brand New and Hoobastank and you get Last Second. Appropriately-named, its music keeps your attention until the last second of this five-song teaser EP. And what a teaser it is. Last Second grabs you in on the first track, "Refuge", a chop-heavy ride through love lost and the alienation it brings. On the last selection, "Dreams", the band shows off its talents in creating a melody heavy rocker that keeps you humming long after the song is over. All I can say is that five songs aren't quite enough. This will definitely be a band to keep an eye on in 2003. Heavy, melodic, introspective, and potentially lethal, this is a good, solid mix of all things clearly wow and now...
- Larry Lugz

AMAZING DEVICE
Amazing Device
SELF-RELEASED

   Amazing Device is a melodically-tinged rock group whose four-song release shows a band on the brink of getting to the next level. For starters, they teeter between emotional and aggressive, knowing when to alter the song's dynamics and shift gears, keeping the listener attentive and the overall composition flowing. This NYC band also utilizes catchy choruses to reel the ears in, yet there's much more going on in each song besides a good hook. Smart rock with good use of guitar effects, Amazing Device sounds like a cross between the melodic side of Glassjaw and the experimental side of Rival Schools-a fine combination in today's tepid rock waters. Hopefully, this release yields this burgeoning band more opportunity. www.amazingdevice.com
- Mike SOS

THE HUNCHES
Yes. No. Shut It.
IN THE RED RECORDS

   Portland has always been tied together in my mind with clean air, great seafood, and a hip population. Now that The Hunches has spread this mess across the country, the Chamber of Commerce will have to work overtime to repair the damage this slopfest has done to Portland's image. Think of Lux Interior from The Cramps singing with a sore throat to a wall of (very dirty) white noise, and you'll have some idea of the depths to which this release sinks. Think of every bad garage band you've ever heard putting out a worst-hits CD. Think of all the better things you could do with your time (unless you're into some serious masochism). Check out the band's Website at www.midheaven.com for freebies...because you really don't want to pay for this one.
- Dug

ABUDULLAH
Graveyard Poetry
METEOR CITY

   A wide spectrum of '70s rock is what the Ohio-based stoner-rockers in Abdullah display on their latest, 14-track release. Everything from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden to Sabbath is lovingly emulated here, yet Abdullah's love of all things '70s also sounds refreshingly new and exciting. Maybe it's because many of their American counterparts have forgotten how to rock, or perhaps the stoner-rock contingent is too stoned to be diverse. Whatever the case, Abdullah's GRAVEYARD POETRY pays homage without ripping off anyone, and it will shake your soul. It's armed with crushing riffs by the bongload, but it's also decisively fluid (à la COC), which gives Abdullah an edge over many of the other lumbering bands out there. Nothing flashy or fancy, but indeed a solid slab of rawk and roll, burnt to perfection. www.meteorcity.com
- Mike SOS

INSENSE
Insense
METAL BLADE

   Insense is another one of those screaming metal bands that seem to be popping up all over the place. This Norwegian quintet, formed out of frustration of its homeland's recent metal releases, mixes the East Coast metal sound with a bit of the Fear Factory call-and-response to create a semi-mechanical version of hardcore metal. Nine tracks strong, if you're game for relentless guitars colliding with a pile-driving rhythm section with a lot of percussive nuances, check these guys out. They even take it down a notch and give Staind a run for its money, proving that underneath the band's collective chaotic exterior lies some real emotional fellows. www.devildollrecords.com
- Mike SOS

THE LIBRARIANS
The Pathetic Aesthetic
PANDACIDE

   The debut album from this Bay Area retro-quartet is a throwback to the days of shag haircuts and British Invasion bands. It's just the kind of snot-nosed music Vespa kids in QUADROPHENIA would be listening to if they hadn't turned into their parents. The anthemic opening tune sums it up ironically: "Goddamn those kids [...] All I want is a little bit of peace and a goddamn can of Schlitz." The guys in The Librarians aren't afraid of taking themselves seriously, decked out in white shirts and skinny, black ties. They describe themselves as an "ass-shakin' power-pop band" in their press. It would be hard to find a better description for these 11 well-crafted blasts from some alternative past. Sometimes you just have to smile, pop open a cold one, and shake that booty when you hear music as fun as this. Check out these wiseguys at www.pandacide.com.
- Dug

DIAMOND REXX
The Evil
CRASH

   Diamond Rexx was a '90s metal band that lived hard, played hard, then faded away into obscurity. This Chicago-based band has witnessed fellow bands like From Zero and Disturbed hit the national scene, and so has decided to make a comeback, undoubtedly looking to cash in on the metal resurgence. The real question is why, as these guys fall right into the "hard to take seriously" category, with their redundant choruses and forced heaviness. While a few of the riffs do kick ass, THE EVIL is basically rehashed '80s metal tuned down and growled instead of yelped, containing all of its derivative sound and paper-thin fury. www.crashmusicinc.com
- Mike SOS

BOSCO AND JORGE
Ally In The Sky
SIXGUNLOVER RECORDS

  Many different musicians (13 to be exact) have collaborated a second time to produce what they call Bosco + Jorge. This is a collection of different songs that range in styles from experimental classical-style compositions to bizarre, rock-infested background noise. This album makes for unique background noise at a social gathering-or when you and your friends are doing drugs. Instruments featured on this release range from banjo, piano, and cello to random sampling of video games. If you like music that's noisy, ambient, and breaks the conventional rules of songwriting, then you should definitely pick this one up.
- Mike SOS

CEPHALIC CARNAGE
Lucid Interval
RELAPSE

   Cephalic Carnage's sophomore effort once again proves why this band is such an extreme music entity. On this 14-track release, this Colorado-based quintet churns out some of the most brutal yet brilliant music on the scene today. Not content with being a mere death/grind-metal outfit, CC throws everything but the kitchen sink into the mix, turning heads and breaking down genres along the way. While the majority of the album will appease the most ardent headbanger, the boys of CC decide to go the extra mile and appease themselves as well by adding in strange and wonderful mix of country, stoner, jazz, and hardcore. The results are jarringly breathtaking and provide an overall sensory overload. Prepare to be amazed by the complexity and diversity of Cephalic Carnage. www.relapse.com
- Mike SOS

I AM SPOONBENDER
Shown Actual Size
GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES

   Uri Geller meets Gary Numan in this three-track release from San Francisco's synth heavy stalwarts I Am Spoonbender. The eclectic octet serves up some memorable digital dance music on this dark and strange trip through mechanical mayhem. Cup, the lead vocalist, fuses her ethereal voice to this keyboard assault in haunting fashion. There's a sizable underground market for this type of music, but if you're not willing to spelunk through the depths of the caverns of electronica, stick to commercial music. Get a taste of it at www.iamspoonbender.com.
- Dug

COUNTERFIT
Super Amusement Machine For Your Exciting Heart
NEGATIVE PROGRESSION RECORDS

   San Diego's Counterfit isn't anything spectacular when it comes to emo style and softcore punk. Just think of this band's first LP, SUPER AMUSEMENT MACHINE FOR YOUR EXCITING HEART, as a revved-up Dashboard Confessional, mainly consisting of breakbeats, constant chords, and harmony. Generally, though, SUPER... ends up being decent. It gives the listener a taste of proud melodies ("Lying in Traffic") and well-arranged beats ("Feel the Ride"), making it typical but tuneful at the same time. Nothing ends up messy or overly soaked with depth. The foursome has shared stage with the likes of New Found Glory, Saves the Day, and The Juliana Theory, among others. Go ahead-give Counterfit a shot.
- Darren Ratner

BLUEBIRD
Hot Blood
DIM MAK RECORDS

   You may have heard of Bluebird from its prior release on Revelation Records. If not, you're in for a treat. The band plays a progressive style of rock that can only be described as Queens of the Stoneage meets Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu. The guitar both pounds and drives the senses, while the vocals offer a softer, more melodic overtone to the music. The songs are very diverse in structure and seem to defy the conventional wisdom that all catchy rock bands follow the same song pattern. If you're into bands like Queens of the Stoneage, then the new Bluebird release will really get you rocking.
- ADF

RAKOTH
Planeshift
EARACHE

   Russian folk metal? Well, in case you haven't heard it all, now you have-and Rakoth is the outfit to bring you the odd but rather cohesive mix. Basically, Rakoth builds a lot of its atmosphere from folk and saves the power parts for its metal side...so the dichotomy works well-so well, in fact, that the band's latest, 10-track disc makes for an interesting listen. If you can bear the flute and lyre intros, you're in luck, because when this band gets heavy, it pulls no punches. Evoking similarities to bands such as Cradle of Filth and System of a Down, Rakoth is a tough listen for the undisciplined metal head. But if you're game to experiment, this band may help you complete that quest. www.earache.com
- Mike SOS

7 FOOT MIDGET
Erectnaphobia
SELF-RELEASED

   Hailing from Sin City (i.e., Las Vegas), 7 Foot Midget does its best to play middle-of-the-road pop-punk, similar in style to Blink 182, New Found Glory, The Ataris, and a plethora of "lite"-flavored punky outfits. Not to say this isn't good, because in all actuality the guitar work is definitely up to par, thanks to the efforts of the Nicks (Vincent and Whalen). Unfortunately, the vocals take a back seat to the well-rounded musical endeavors here. Nick V. has a rather nasally voice that turns some well-intentioned power-pop-punk into a trip down annoying lane. Think Screech from SAVED BY THE BELL singing for The Ataris. One particular song that I really felt brought out the intensity and musicianship of the band was track 7, "Still Searching". Superb guitar riffing (at times reminding me of the cool riffing of Iron Maiden) over an awesome rhythm section (kudos to John and Jay Losey) are dragged down by some less-than-inspiring vocals. I can see great things happening to this band-if it puts as much effort into its vocal treatments as its music.
- Larry Lugz

KATAKLYSM
Shadows And Dust
NUCLEAR BLAST

   Canadian quartet Kataklysm has paved the way for a lot of the current underground metal acts, and on its latest CD shows that, even after 11 years in the pit, they are far from being done. Mixing the dark melodies of Entombed into their potent death-metal potpourri, Kataklysm will not only succeed in ripping your face off with lightning-fast riffs and powerhouse drumming, but will also give you a heavy hook that stays in your head to complement the insanity. Nine tracks of unyielding metal that encompasses not only Kataklysm's roots but also implements the ultra-popular Swedish death-metal din, SHADOWS AND DUST is equipped with all that is heavy for a metal fan's maximum listening pleasure. www.kataklysm.net
- Mike SOS

THE SHAKEDOWNS
Move
VMS/MORPHIUS

   Do you miss the rock anthem? This D.C.-area rock 'n' roll cruise missile has got a few to spare. This is our old friend riff rock fused with super-boogie rhythms. These tunes are so catchy and shake-your-ass cool that they follow you around for days, rocking up your mental arena. I wouldn't call this punk-this is pure rock, in that Kiss meets MC5 vein of doing it right. Some of my favorite moments are, the title song "Move" ("I got a rock 'n' roll philosophy / Based on breaking barriers / It's a disease / And baby, I'm your carrier"), "Fistful of Soul" ("I made this scene from piles of ashes / So nod your heads and tip your glasses / A walking throwback / Call it perfection / It's rock 'n' roll / A resurrection"), and "Jump Slide Twist and Grind", which includes the coolest girl-mob backing vocals since "My Boyfriend's Back". The bottom line is The Shakedowns has a fucking great old-school rock sound that'll blow the doors off of your cruising machine. MOVE could make you quit school, buy a guitar, and start a personal revolution that could take you to some weird and fantastic places. Buyer beware.
- H. Barry Zimmerman

UNSILENT REIGN
Strangers Among Ourselves
TOO DAMN HYPE

   Unsilent Reign is a band keeping it real down in the Southeastern part of the U.S., as this quintet captures the unbridled spirit of hardcore in this eight-track release. Teetering between tough-guy tactics and double-timed punk-rock tricks, Unsilent Reign's musical delivery is chock full of group choruses, staccato breakdowns, at times being reminiscent of bands like Downset and Il Nino. Bursting at the seams with an intense energy, Unsilent Reign's force is undeniable-and a nice addition to any hardcore fan's CD collection. www.chordrecording.com
- Mike SOS

A STUDY IN HER
Dialogic
HONEST IN SECRET

   DIALOGIC by super-unknown A Study in Her (I've never heard of them-have you?) is an album strictly for those who love experimental assertiveness. Trippy beats ("A Reduction"), weird synths ("Fourteen in Fifteen"), a myriad of clackety, ringy instruments and wavy tones ("Two-F"). The group sounds like a boy-girl duo that is trying very hard to be "artsy." The vocals seem overshadowed by the album's instrumentals-which isn't necessarily bad, but shows just where the umph of the CD lies. Overall, DIALOGIC is way too long and overly dense...though it might intrigue those on some kind of high.
- Darren Ratner

EMBRACE TODAY
FYIE
THE LIFE

   Embrace Today is a straight-edge hardcore band that lets its music explain its solemn lifestyle-and it speaks volubly, as the eight tracks that comprise this collection are loud, fast, and heavy-like any good hardcore should be. Fortified with ferocious screaming and face-paced rhythms, Embrace Today will no doubt try to beat understanding into you through song; and judging by the amount of F-bombs they drop, the anger displayed is pretty intense. Not a bad display of passion for those who don't imbibe in drugs and drink-but imagine if they did succumb? For a dose of straight-edge reality, brace yourself for the music and message that Embrace Today delivers. www.liferecs.com
- Mike SOS

THE JIM YOSHII PILE-UP
Homemade Drugs
ABSOLUTELY KOSHER RECORDS

   The sophomore release from this Oakland quartet is a beautiful piece of melodic emo. With layered guitars, atmospheric melodies, and Paul Gozenbach's soft yet urgent vocals, this album eats into your awareness like a very strong valium. From the first notes the listener is lulled into a melancholy state of acceptance that ultimately leads to another cup of coffee in the morning, a dazed nap on the couch, a thoughtful re-examination of all the paths your life might have taken. There will be no dancing to this band at a live show-unless it's slow dancing...or very slow, Deadhead-type gyrations. It's all about catharsis and rebirth. Though none of these tunes will ever be played on a radio hit list, I'll never forget them. Find out more about this fabulous CD at www.absolutelykosher.com.
- Dug

LILLIAN AXE
Live2002
RED AND GOLD

   Who'd ever think that Lillian Axe had enough material for a two-CD live disc? Apparently, a lot of people, as this throwback from the '80s hair-metal scene's 21 tracks of the band's best demonstrates. For that unabashed retro metal sound, look no further than this album, as the band's decade-plus career is documented with all of the energy of actually being front row-without the sight of spandex and the smell of leather. And yes, the outfit's MTV hit, "Show a Little Love", is included, for those who like to wax nostalgic.
- Mike SOS

NORTHSTAR
Is This Thing Loaded?
TRIPLE CROWN RECORDS

   Taking Back Sunday may think this is the greatest band ever, but I disagree. While Northstar is a very good band, it's not fair to say these guys from Alabama are the best ever. I mean, what about The Beatles or Jimi Hendrix? Anyways, unlike most emo that completely grates on my nerves, Northstar is very enjoyable to listen to. The band isn't completely emo and not completely indie, which makes its stuff a bit easier to tolerate and enjoy. I've noticed that, much like the ska explosion in the '90s, emo bands these days seem like carbon copies of the few popular bands on the scene. But not Northstar. Sure, the band sings about the same kind of life experiences and such, but what sets these Alabama rockers apart is their attention to melody. The songs are complex, melodious, and at the same time distorted and aggressive. And I thought the only thing the South had to offer was bigots and rednecks. Man, was I wrong.
- Dane Jackson

FLIPP
Volume
POPULARITY

   Released on Art Alexakis's new label, Minnesota's Flipp provides the power-pop punk punch to bring it all home. The band's latest, 11-track offering is trashy and loud-and isn't that the spirit of rock 'n' roll? Imagine a less drugged-out Monster Magnet having fun with power chords and double entendres, clever lyrics and tasty guitar licks, and you've got the formula for this high-energy troupe. A dash of West Coast punk rock mingles with traditional rock 'n' roll rebellion to update the old feelings that rock 'n' roll used to evoke before the era of the aloof rock star got off the ground. Bringing it back to its lowest common denominator with the proper mix of pizzazz and attitude, Flipp's ready to rock and roll all night and party every day. Are you? www.popularityrecords.com
- Mike SOS

SLOW JETS
Good Morning, Stars
MORPHIUS

   The second full-length from Baltimore's pop powerhouse is a throwback sound reminiscent of early '80s bands like XTC and 20/20. While much of the album is comprised of upbeat rockers with unpredictably offbeat hooks, there are some peculiarly dissonant yet appealing slow tunes such as "Animally Yours" and "Snares Coda" on this album that puts the band in a league of its own. Lush textures overlay jerky rhythms on most of this album, creating a unique yet highly accessible sound. This is one of the best pop/new-wave sounds out there. Check out the band at www.morphius.com.
- Dug

ADD N TO X
Loud Like Nature
MUTE RECORDS

   The fourth full-length release from this exploratory electro-pop British trio is a mind-numbing barrage of analog synthesizers and assorted noises, all melded into a danceable beat. Rarely does a band explore the fringes of the audio spectrum with the command and intensity of this notoriously over-the-top band. Barry 7 from Sheffield, Steve Claydon of London, and Ann Shenton from Idaho each recorded their respective tracks in their hometowns, and then got together to mix the recording. It won't make anyone's top-ten lists, but it is refreshing to see artists push the envelope of music into undiscovered realms. This is strange stuff...but it is perfect for a techno dance party. See more of their insanity at www.mute.com.
- Dug

THIS MACHINE KINDS / JR EWING
split CD
DIM MAK

   Adventures in hardcore? When you speak of these two bands, the answer is "yes," as California's This Machine Kills teams up with Norway's JR Ewing for a four-song split CD whose foundation comes from the hardcore scene-but whose final destination could be anywhere but there. This Machine Kills goes first, and its heavy-handed attack is complemented with guest spots...and even a bit of new wave experimentation. After the wreckage is swept away, look out below for the post-hardcore offering of the cleverly-monikered JR Ewing, whose sound lends itself a lot to fellow countrymen Refused. If you're a hardcore fan with an open mind, then this split will be a nice (albeit short) addition to your collection. www.dimmak.com
- Mike SOS

LIAR'S ACADEMY
Trading My Life
EQUAL VISION

   Leaving myself open for rebuttal, I like to think that vocalist Ryan Shelkett of Baltimore's Liar's Academy has an Elvis Costello-like voice box. And that's only one part of the band's new EP, TRADING MY LIFE (a pre-show to its upcoming second LP), that works. The four-track CD is good, in that it sports a passionate combination of pop-punk and pop-rock-whether you're listening to the rockadellic riffs midway through "Chainsmoke the Night Away" or jumpy contemplativeness behind "Now Is the Time". There's certainly some emo-esque candor roaming within the lyrics (for instance, "I'll take this emptiness and shove it in your face," located in "Now Is the Time"), which makes it all the more interesting. But TRADING... is primarily a cool record for those seeking therapeutic, I-had-a-fucked-up-day music.
- Darren Ratner

DREAM EVIL
Dragon Slayer
CENTURY MEDIA

   Who'd ever think that Lillian Axe had enough material for a two-CD live disc? Apparently, a lot of people, as this throwback from the '80s hair-metal scene's 21 tracks of the band's best demonstrates. For that unabashed retro metal sound, look no further than this album, as the band's decade-plus career is documented with all of the energy of actually being front row-without the sight of spandex and the smell of leather. And yes, the outfit's MTV hit, "Show a Little Love", is included, for those who like to wax nostalgic.
- Mike SOS

LILLIAN AXE
Live2002
RED AND GOLD

   Sweden's streak of bringing metal to the masses is perpetuated by the quintet known as Dream Evil. These guys have got the '80s rock swagger down to a science, as is amply shown on this 12-track power punch of melodic crunch. But they've also managed to step it up a bit, too, expertly mixing the plausibility of hair metal with the grit of both NWOBHM and today's Euro-metal sound. If The Scorpions and Iron Maiden had an all-star jam one night, this is pretty much what it would sound like. And you've got to love a band that titles a song "Heavy Metal in the Night", right? Majestic and metallic, Dream Evil wheels out the metal war-horse for an ass-kicking good album. www.centurymedia.com
- Mike SOS

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