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)