PRIDEBOWL - DRIPPINGS OF THE PAST

Originally formed in 1993 in Sweden, Pridebowl brings us DRIPPINGS OF THE PAST. This is a re-release from '96, which also includes their '95 EP LONG DISTANCE as bonus tracks. This album features Aaron, the only American in the band, on vocals, while the rest of the band (Stefan and Henrik on guitar, Oskar on bass, and Martin on drums) are natives of Sweden. What you will find on this album is a collection of mainly fast-paced punk-rock tracks. Influences range from Millencolin to Iron Madden. The percussion is the driving force through most of this album, with guitars screaming out hard and heavy metal riffs. I found Aaron's vocals to be one-dimensional, monotone throughout the majority of the songs. In all, the musicianship on this album is impressive, but nothing out of this world. www.badtasterecords.se

(Review originally appeared in the August 2005 issue of Skratch Magazine)

FACING NEW YORK - S/T

The long-anticipated debut album from Facing New York is finally here. Even before cuing up the first track, I was impressed with the fact that this album was recorded entirely live in the studio. The band also took up the grueling task of producing the album. Sometimes taking chances like these can produce great results...and this album is no exception! Its progressive rock with an indie rock twist comes off crisp and vibrant. I absolutely love the use of keyboards in the song "Full Turn". The lyrics of the first track, "We Are", hit home with tons of emotion that puts you into the shoes of a band that struggles day to day reaching for their dreams of a musical euphoria. This album has a certain flow that is consistent throughout the entire album and subtle but not held back. This is a definite buy!

(Review originally appeared in the August 2005 issue of Skratch Magazine)