NUMBERS - WE'RE ANIMALS

It's Moog synthesizer appreciation time as we take a listen to the newest album from Numbers. The use of this unappreciated instrument is the driving force of WE'RE ANIMALS. Its eclectic sound mixes a brilliant use of rough guitars, as if aiming for a garage sound, while undertones of the Moog top it off with a very experimental, electronic ambient sound. There is a lot of Devo-influenced material here (e.g., "The Fuck You Garage"). The lead vocals from Indra Dunis (who is also the drummer) remind me of Bjork, especially on "Beast Life". This album grew on me each time I popped it into my stereo. It's subtle but driving sound left me very, very impressed and wanting more. Numbers are currently in the middle of a nationwide tour but are to return to West Coast in November. www.numbersmusic.com

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

HANK JONES - SATURDAYS OF THUNDER

There's a certain attitude hardcore bands have to live up to to be tougher than the next guy. These rules don't seem to apply to Hank Jones on their newest release, SATURDAYS OF THUNDER. Don't get me wrong, though: it's filled with hard-hitting, balls-to-the-wall rock with unmercifully harsh vocals. Those vocals from the mouth of Mike Torti are consistent throughout this effort and bring the lyrics to life with emotion and power. Normally, non-stop screaming would bug me to the point of turning it off and never going back again, but that didn't happen with this album. The guitars produce simple but exact riffs that generate a feeling of pure adrenaline. SATURDAYS OF THUNDER comes off as an honest account of what this band is about: music minus attitudes and egos. www.undecidedrecords.com

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

THE TRACK RECORD - S/T EP

This five-track EP from The Track Record has all the makings of a successful pop-punk release. It's got the high screechy male vocals and the never-ending saga of young adults and their battle with teen angst. To say it's been done before would be a major understatement. When dissected track by tack, this album comes up way short of being original. The vocals remain high-pitched and annoying though all five tracks, and the musicianship is average, at best. It's cookie-cutter pop-punk sound might catch the ears of those who like bands like Yellowcard or The Starting Line. Although I don't think much of The Track Record's sound, I wouldn't be shocked if we hear from them again in the near future. This whiney drab has staying power that can't be explained.

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

EMPTY SILOS ECHO WAR - INNER WORKING MECHANICS OF A FAILED CONSTRUCT

Ever discover a band or album that you just can't recommend to everyone due to the fact that it's a bit too "different" for mass acceptance? After listening to INNER WORKING MECHANICS OF A FAILED CONSTRUCT, it's safe to say this album is "different." This disc will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. One second you get suckered into a false security with a soft harmony filled with almost subsonic sounds, and the next second you are being slammed about by harsh vocals and heavy guitars and drum beats. This album is also quite versatile, as evinced on "We Share a Frequency", with its funked-out guitars and catchy lyrics. If you have an open mind to eclectic music, I'd say check it out. You will either love or absolutely hate this album. www.roklokrecords.com

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

MINUS THE BEAR - MENOS EL OSO

On their Myspace page, they describe their sound as, "ting ting ting ting, ting ting, ting ting ting ting." But there is a lot more than just "tings" to this second full-length release from Minus the Bear. What you will experience within this album is a great balanced mix of mid-tempo rock with a rock-solid electronica foundation. Those "tings" could come from the high-strung chords of guitarist David Knudson or the futuristic, tweaked computerized sounds of Matt Bayles on electronics. Knudson's guitar seems to be the driving force of the band, along with the impressive and emotional vocals of Jake Snider. The laid-back beat and mellow vocals on "El Torrente" definitely makes it track one of my favorites. This album is worth checking out.

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

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)