SILENCE IS TREASON - S/T

Not since the Vietnam War has there been such an uprising of musicians who have used their music to make political and social statements. Chances are most of you have yet to hear the music of Silence Is Treason. On their self-titled release, they bring us lyrics strong in meaning and don't hold back. The music is along the lines of a System of a Down sound, but a bit more progressive. Musically it's very intricate, but I didn't care too much for the vocals. I was impressed with the content of the lyrics. "A New American Century" is a song that exposes the dirty truths behind the controversial neo-conservative group The Project for a New American Century. Overall, this is an impressive yet sobering album.

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

THE BLAM - CAVEAT EMPTOR

The Blam treats us to a collection of mellow soundscapes and driving artsy rock. This album would sure please anyone who likes straight-ahead indie rock. Unfortunately, this album didn't do too much for me. My problem lies in the fact that the music featured on this album sounds like something that has been done a million times before. It's fairly obvious that they draw from many different influences but don't separate themselves from those influences. There's nothing really original here. CAVEAT EMPTOR isn't the worst-sounding album, but it came off bland and uninspiring. I did enjoy the title cut, but its recycled sound had me searching for something with more originality.

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

THE JADE SHADER - CURSE OF THE TUATARA

Hailing from San Diego, The Jade Shader brings us this seven-track EP. At first listen, the first track, "Minnesota", introduces the band's sound. It's slow to mid-tempo sound seems to flow quite naturally and gives off a great vibe. As the album plays on, the tracks become more up-tempo and turn from something natural into something more clichéd.

It's not necessarily bad-sounding, but the music becomes a bit repetitive.

The vocals glide along to mediocre guitar work, and the rest of the tracks seem to blend into one. Maybe a change will occur by the time The Jade Shader returns with a full-length effort—but for now, I'll pass.

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

VARIOUS ARTISTS - PRIMOSONIC RHYTHMS VOL 2

Ska isn't dead. Nor is this album, by a long shot. This disc is filled with some great ska, dub, reggae, and rocksteady tracks from some of California's best skankin' acts. The Aggolites provide some great dub with the first track, "Black Lung". Its sound is reminiscent of Lee Perry from the early 1970s. Chris Murray's one-man ska act contributes the moving song "Fourth of July". Monkey represents the Northern California ska sound with pride with "Sound System". This is perhaps one of the best compilations I have heard in years. Spark it up, my friends, and enjoy!

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