THE DREADFUL YAWNS - S/T

It's time to slow things down with this self-titled disc from The Dreadful Yawns. This is their first full-length album to be released on Bomp! This title ended up hitting me like a fresh breeze with its Southern folk sound and country twang. The lyrics have a bluegrass feel and are simple but stellar throughout. I was impressed with the use of harmonica and steel guitar on tracks like "You Sold the Farm" and "Get Yourself Back Home". This album hints at influences ranging from Bob Dylan to The Grateful Dead but remains unique to The Dreadful Yawns original sound. I'm still taken aback by the fact that SKRATCH is reviewing music like this. It's fresh, and its different sound is a nice change from the hard punk-rock music I'm used to hearing.


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

JOHN DUFILHO - S/T

This is the first solo effort for Dufilho. On this album, he takes on the task of writing, producing, and recording all the music on his own—not to mention playing all the instruments. The music is a mix of quirky mid-tempo power pop. It's clear to see that Dufilho has brought a lot of influences out on this disc, as he uses a lot of electronic loops and silly yet catchy lyrics. I loved the fact that one second you feel as though you are listening to a rough demo album and the next he hits you with a lush stereo soundscape. The one thing I took away from listening to this album is that there are still musicians out there who are talented enough to take their music and do what they wish with it. It's honest music that stays true to Dufilho's intentions as a musician.

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

HORSE THE BAND - THE MECHANICAL HAND

If the Super Mario Brothers formed a metal band, it would probably sound something like this. Horse the Band brings us an interesting mix of hard rock laced with synthesized sounds that remind me of the endless hours spent playing Nintendo as a kid. The music is hard and fast, and the lyrics are loud but really hard to understand. This album also reminds me a bit of bands like System of a Down. At times, the keyboards border a Van Halen sound and provide a different sound not found in today's mainstream hard-rock scene. In the end, THE MECHANICAL HAND is a truly original album that isn't afraid to be different-sounding than the rest of the music out there today. It's odd sound kept me amused...but didn't blow me away.


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