The Catalyst--A Hospital Visit
McCarthyism 2004
"Never judge a book by its cover"--indeed, words to live by. Take the Catalyst, for example. If you put too much stock in labels, in this case record labels, you might go into their new album A Hospital Visit with the wrong notion of what you'll actually get on it. It's of little consequence, really--this material speaks for itself.
As is the case with most bands on the McCarthyism roster, the Catalyst carry a certain amount of D.C. hardcore style in their sound. Here, that influence is more minimal than you'd expect, though. Instead, A Hospital Visit operates most within the grunge realm, dripping with Nirvana-isms throughout. This is also a fairly rocked out listen, possessing a little more swagger than the typical punk band packs.
In truth, those rocking moments of A Hospital Visit are its best. If looking for the appropriate specimens, turn to either "The Broken English Breakdown Shakedown" or "Chronic The Hedgehog." Sampling the platter's Sub Pop slanted highlight "The Parties At Your House," things start reeking of Seaweed--it's a welcome stench. Top to bottom, this is a well-crafted offering.
If you long for the good ole days of grunge, A Hospital Visit is for you. The Catalyst will also prove a pleasant entry to the hardcore folks out there searching for an acceptable change of pace. Either way, you can't deny this is solid stuff for what it is. If any of this sounds up your alley, give the slab a shot.
Score this CD directly from MCCARTHYISM |
