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)

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)