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)

WORLD WAR IX - PANIC ATTACK

f there's one thing World War IX has made clear with their debut album PANIC ATTACK, it's that simplicity is a good thing. This 11-track disc is filled with good ol' three-chord East Coast punk rock. No need for flashy sound effects and extravagant guitar solos. The catchy vocals from Max Strum and bouncy guitar riffs from guitarist Justin Melkmann make for an upbeat feeling that has your foot tapping though out the duration of the album. They also threw in a surprise by covering GG Allin's "New York Tonight". PANIC ATTACK has the feeling of a classic punk album. It's raw sound makes for a real treat for anyone who enjoys no-thrills, no-frills East Coast punk rock. Surf on by their Website for more info on this four-piece band from NYC. www.worldwarix.com

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

SHELBY - THE LUXURY OF TIME

Let me start out by saying I have never really liked U2. They're mediocre adult-contemporary rock from Ireland. (Let the hatemail come pouring in.) So why bring up my distaste for Bono and the boys here in this review of LUXURY OF TIME by New York band Shelby? For one, the sounds heard on this album are a total rip-off of bands like U2 and Radiohead. The beat structures for a majority of the songs are simple and repetitive. The vocal stylings of Kenny Cummings are almost a dead-on match to those of Bono. The feeling I got when listening to LUXURY OF TIME was like I was listening to musical version of a mime, just waiting for it to break out of its imaginary box and have a personality. My suggestion: pass this up, unless you enjoy bland and boring contemporary rock. This one is a dud!

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