High Beams--Hallucination
Dead Beat 2003
When the Mullens were around, they were one of the best punked rock 'n roll bands going. If you've been craving a new fix from that band, this CD, Hallucination by the High Beams, might just fit your ticket. Featuring Mullens axeman Matt Mayo, this is more of the same goodness evryone has come to expect from the guy.
From where the Mullens came, so do the High Beams. This is great, straightforward, no-nonsense rock'n roll with a punk edge. Like the Mullens, the thing that seperates the High Beams from the pack is a keen sense for hooks. What the High Beams do is so catchy, it borders on having pop sensibility. That said, this is music that never lacks balls. With Hallucination, you're covered from virtually any angle.
Par for the couse, Mayo has also brought that Mullens magic to the songwriting table for the High Beams, having written the bulk of Hallucination himself. "Defend Me" would have to be considered a standout track, as it has everything going for it--infectuous, solid drumming from Wayne Draves, a vocal melody that won't let go of you, and Mayo's patented "do what's right for the song" guitar style. "Curiosity," co-written by Mayo and bassist Aaron Erisman, is more of the same. All told, just as you'd expect, there isn't a bad egg in this batch.
Hallucination is such a can't miss listen, you'd be insane not to gobble it up. Perfectly performed, perfectly constructed--this album is a winner. For Mullens fans, this listen will be like a homecoming. In the end, it doesn't really matter where they came from, though--the High Beams are just a flat-out awesome band.
Score this CD directly from DEAD BEAT
|
