Issue #5 – January 2003

 

 

Album of the month:

 

Ministry; Animositisomina

Mayan/Nordic Metal

(Provided by Nordic Metal)

Ministry has always been referred to as an industrial band, which, of course, is exactly what they are, and a damn good one at that too. Industrial purist however, would cut your balls of, if they heard you call them that, cos let’s face it, there’s quite a long way from the metallic industrial sound of Ministry to the cold, chaotic and cynical sound of Whitehouse. This reviewer would rather listen Ministry’ s marriage of brick-heavy guitar-riffs, thundering drums, insane machinery and catchy melodies any day instead of the aforementioned sonic noise. Why? Because Ministry is one of the finest industrial bands ever, that’s why! They might not have been what they used to be throughout their entire carrier, but the new album “Animositiasomina” is enough proof that Ministry still ranks high on the industrial list here in 2003. Ministry’s debut-album on Warner Brothers “Twitch” was a great album, but really, “Psalm 69” was better. “Animositisomina” might not really stand head-high besides the two of those, but amongst what fills the metal and industrial airwaves these days, you won’t find much that is better than this. For the most part we’re talking straight-ahead hard-hitters that combine the finest of the metal and industrial scene. Of course, there are a few slow starters among the nine tracks, but mostly it’s all forgiven when Al Jorgensen and co. send waves of catchy, metallic guitars out of the speakers, hitting the listener like a fist in the face (not that I enjoy a fist in the face, though). With Nine Inch Nails being a little safe these days, and German nu-metal industrialists Rammstein being about the only cool thing out there, it seems quite fitting that Ministry is bringing back a few of those dangerous sounding metallic assaults. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

5 ”Runner-Up” albums:

 

Biohazard; Kill Or Be Killed

SPV/Nordic Metal

(Provided by Nordic Metal)

Biohazard’s previous album was to be found somewhere on my top-25 for 2001, and even though we’re only in January so far, I am pretty sure that this one will end up there somewhere when this year comes to an end. The hardcore-veterans in Biohazard have not slowed their aggressive, hateful and harsh songwriting down during the years, and with messages such as “Kill Or Be Killed” and “Never Forgive Never Forget” (with the line “Eye for an Eye”) it isn’t likely that all of us make it through the year. Ok, you might make it, but you friends might not. Not if you take to heart the words of Biohazard, anyway. The music is still as fresh and in-your-face as ever, and though evil tongues out there might tell you that Biohazard’s best moments might lie in the past, nothing could be further from the truth. With this, their second album not to be released on a major-label, Biohazard once more prove themselves to be kings of the hardcore-game. All in all though “Kill Or Be Killed” might not quite be their best album to date, but it isn’t far from it either, and even though this might not be their best album ever, by all means it is one of the best hardcore-albums to come along in some time, and a heck of a way to kick-start the new year. Choice-cuts: “Kill Or Be Killed”, “Never Forgive Never Forget” and “World On Fire.” (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Eminem; The Eminem Show

Aftermath/Interscope

People can say what they want about Eminem, but when it comes to create some of the best hip hop music out there, he is bound to be one of the first ones to get recognition. I mean, yeah sure, there’s a bit too much “I feel sorry for myself” in his music, but there’s also far more thought behind what he writes, than most of the cars, drugs, silicon-breasts, weapon and money that fill the hip hop songs you hear today. Few rappers have the skills to create a person, who changes character depending on the mood he is in. That’s what Eminem has done. Sometimes he’s the popular hip hop artist Eminem. Sometimes he’s this Slim Shady asshole who hates and insults everyone. At other times he is just the ordinary Detroit kid Marshall Matters, and even though this is all just a show when it all comes down to it, he can be real and honest to the bone, for instance when as Marshall Matters he’s singing about his mom in “Cleaning Out The Closet.” So as I said, say what you will, but hip hop just doesn’t get much better than this. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Kamelot; Epica

Noice/Nordic Metal

(Provided By Nordic Metal)

Last year saw the release of Kamelot’s fifth album “Karma”, an album that even though it was well-played and well-written, really didn’t strike me as mind-blowing or anything overly special. “Epica”, their new album is both of those things, and if it would’ve been released last year, it would definitely be on my top 5 list for the years best power metal releases. This time around, Kamelot widen up their horizon a bit, which means that the straightforward power metal of yesterday, now has gotten a touch of progressiveness to it, and this adds another dimension to the bands already great melodies. This is a great release, and a just as great start for a new year for the power metal fan, that has, if this is anything to go by, a hell of a year ahead of him. Get this when its’ released on January 13th. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Nirvana; Nirvana

Geffen Records

Sure, I know I am late with this one. What can I say? sue me! I remember when I heard Nirvana for the first time. I remembered it, cos I didn’t like them at first. I was listening to this radio-show that normally played a lot of Metallica, Europe, Def Leppard and things like that - things I was into at the time. Then all of a sudden “Smells Like Teen Spirit” bursts out of the speakers. I thought it was noise, pure and simple. Perhaps I just didn’t want to like it, cos it was different. But then I kept hearing it. On the radio, in school, everywhere really, and all of a sudden I couldn’t get enough of it. To this day I still can’t. But there was more to Nirvana than “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which you’ll find out while listening to this compilation as it features most of their best stuff. I don’t need to say anything about most of these songs, do I? I mean, really come on. All Nirvana fans have them, and all other rock-fans have, at least, heard them. I mean songs like “All Apologies”, “In Blood”, “Rape Me”, “Lithium” and “Come As You Are” are just classic songs. Songs that never will be forgotten, and I don’t think it’s because Kurt shot himself, but because these are good songs. The only song that hasn’t been released earlier, “You know You’re Right”, shows a band that was far from becoming empty for ideas, even though Kurt’s life ended up empty. It was probably one of the most pleasant rock-surprises last year, alongside the whole System Of A Down “Steal This Album” record. So why isn’t this album of the month? Well, for starters this was released a few months back, and secondly because we all see Countney’s milking her dead husband for the last pennies. Courtney is/was a singer with no talent, and her acting skills aren’t much better, really, so maybe she has to do what she has to do. Just forget about all of that. This rocks. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

Snowdogs; Deep Cuts, Fast Remedies

Victory/Nordic Metal

(Provided by Nordic Metal)

This album flat out rocks. However, there isn’t anything new, groundbreaking or even slightly original to find here. Somehow this album, no matter what, ends up being quite diverse. And that’s a good thing, even though it sometimes can be just the opposite, considering that this is a ride through most of the contemporary genres of todays rock world. Just to give you an idea of how easily London-based Snowdogs jump from one musical style to another, I’ll take you on a journey through one of this albums greatest songs “Freedom For Everyone.” A song that starts out with some hip hop-ish beats, before it turns into a power-pop, indie-rock thing a la Weezer, and if that wasn’t good enough for you, then, God help me, it starts to get all 70’s sing-a-long Slade-ish at the end. Great tune. And the rest of the album is the same way. One minute they can spill their pop/punk hearts out, but the next they’re all over their horns and ska-collection. Then all of a sudden it’s indie-pop at its’ best, but that’s only until they do some very American sounding semi-acoustic college-pop. But hey, let’s just boil all of this down to the fact that this is modern rock, pure and simple. But as I said earlier, it can be dangerous to get this far around. People might think that you’re trying to please to many people. Me? I don’t care, cuz as I said in the beginning – this rocks. Take “Hour Of Sunshine” for example, which is another great song. A lot of bands would just kill for a chorus like that. I mean, it’s kinda like when Blur did “Song 2” back in the day. The song is kind of slow, but when the chorus comes along it goes crazy with just the right tempo. The horns that go along with the verses just got to go though, since they don’t suite the bands overall sound. That’s it. Oh no, wait! I can’t stop this review without mentioning track 13 (“Lotta Lost Time”). I love it. Get this one, even if you have to steal money from your little sister to afford it. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

Other albums this month:

 

27; Animal Life

Kimchee Records

With band-members, according to RockSound, having lent talent to Isis on one song on their newest album “Oceanic”, and the same band-members separately having been members of Noise-rock bands such as Dirt Merchants (Sony/Epic) and Spore, one should think that something a little more noisy would come out of the speakers as this trio lets their creative side flow on their debut-album “Animal Life.” Like Isis, 27 is a very creative band, but unlike Isis they just don’t need noisy guitars to show for it, as this mostly goes along in a very slow tempo with Maria’s female vocals being the driving force. Only few times the guitar-pedals get pushed halfway to the floor, and every time it happens just at the right time, when the music starts to get a little for too long-lasting and slow for its’ own good. People have called this slowcore, and nothing could’ve been a better description of this band. With songs that sometimes are as slow and lazy as Portishead with a lazy, guitar-driven indie-feel to it, and with a lead-singer that actually brings the Beth Gibbons sound to mind, this is destined to a be a love/hate affair for most people. I mean, music like this is not always easy to like, even though in this case it’s quite sweet if you ask me. However, there’s a melancholic tone to all the tracks on “Animal Life”, which probably will scare off some people. Other than that, I just think this is great pop-music that should appeal to a lot of people. Me? I’ll be pulling this one out when I am feeling sad. (JJJJJJJJJJ)   

 

Agnostic Front/Discipline; Working Class Heroes

I Scream Records

If the fact that there are 31 songs on this split live-album (17 by Agnostic Front and 14 by Discipline) and it isn’t even a double album, isn’t proof enough that these two bands do things to fast and up-front way, then listening to the damn thing should be all the proof you need. Agnostic Front, who started out way back in 1982, which makes them veterans in this scene, start things up with their fast and furious hardcore-punk and just keep it going through 17 songs. There isn’t a whole lot of variation or originality in there. Just a lot of energy and power, but hey, that’s Agnostic Front. Discipline then take over where Agnostic Front left off, and basically they do it pretty much in the same manner as Agnostic Front. Actually, if it wasn’t for a few very simple but yet melodic guitar-solos thrown in for variation, I’d say that these two bands were pretty much two sides of the same coin. However, on this record, I think the Discipline stuff is a bit stronger, as, at least, the guitar-solos bring a little variation to the table. The sound is not overly good on this, but then again this probably makes it capture the intensity of this Belgian club-show even better. The people who actually were there, or have experienced these two bands together some other place in Europe, probably will dig this the most, but other punks, skins and hardcore-freaks should definitely check this out, as it features two of the finest straight-up hardcore bands around. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Articles Of Faith; Complete Vol. 1: 1981-1983

Alternative Tentacles Records

Being born in 1978, I can’t say that I was a fan of punk and hardcore back in 1981, but it would’ve been nice if someone in my family listened to stuff like this back when I was a kid, as I had to find out about music like this all on my own. You know how much money I spent on buying records in my search for the perfect rock-album? I don’t either, but it was a lot. Well, move on, shall we? Ok, I got into rock music when I was about 12 or something, and punk/hardcore a few years later, but until a month ago, I’d never even heard about Articles Of Faith. Not that Articles Of Faith ever changed the world or anything. They might’ve changed the world for a few punks back in the early 80’s, but that’s probably it. Their music isn’t overly original either, even though at times there are small traces of reggae and funk in their otherwise furious hardcore-universe. For the most part this is fast and straightforward, not lacking power for a second along the way (at least not before the acoustic song at the end). 18 of the 20 songs on this disk were originally, as the title implies, featured on records released between 1981 and 1983; “What We Want Is Free”, Give Thanks” and “The Mastertape.” The last two songs have not been released before. One of them, “No More Time”, was recorded live back in 1982, but never got released. The last song (“In This Life”), which was recorded last year, is, with its’ tired acoustic settings, the only song that I don’t like on this record, and probably the only song these guys ever wrote that doesn’t capture the punk-energy of the band. In this case it wasn’t supposed to, though. Anyways, this is good punk-stuff, and if you listen to new punk-bands trying to be old-school, you should check out Articles Of Faith. They ARE the old-school. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Consonant; Consonant

Fenway Recordings

One of the songs on this album is called “John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things””, and while that may be true (Is a John Coltrane song/album/whatever called “My Favorite things”, or is John Coltrane Consonant’s favorite things? I am confused…), from where I am sitting, these guys have taken much more influence from the likes of The Beatles and Beach boys as well as other newer and more experimental influences onboard, rather than from John Coltrane, and this has paved the way for 13 songs of surf-rock quality hooking up with indie pop/rock’s finest moments. At times we’re talking 60/70’ies pop-music, at others we’re talking 21´th century indie-rock, and wherever we might find us during these 13 tracks, things are always done thoughtfully and with passion, which in the end makes Consonant stand out of the crowd of radio-friendly crowd-pleasers. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

Cooper Brown; Friends With The President

125db Records

Cooper Brown sure know how to write good rock songs with catchy choruses. I’ve heard them described as pop/punk, but if New Found Glory is the general idea of pop/punk, I think it’s safe to say that English Cooper Brown go way beyond that, even though when referred to as pop/punk, someone probably had something a little more British than the previously mentioned band in mind. Whatever, this is entertaining stuff, as these guys have some great rock tunes going. There are the emotional and heartfelt songs, there are the sing-a-longs with catchy choruses, and last but not least there are the straightforward up-tempo rock-songs that probably sound better live than on disc. There should be something for anyone on this one. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Demons; Stockhold Slump

Gearhead Records

(Provided By Black & White PR)

Ok, with that Capital-name in the album-title, it’s probably not to difficult to guess that these guys are from Sweden, but when you hear their music, the second part of the album-title makes sense too. Stoner rock, you say? Not a chance. If there is anything this recording represents, it’s the endlessly growing slump of Swedish garage-rock bands. Demons don’t hold anything back, as they cram out twelve songs of uncompromising dirty, raw and sleazy rock n’ roll. And they’re quite good at it too. However, there’s really nothing new under the sun here, and while that might not be the first priority within this genre, there certainly would’ve helped with something that hasn’t been done so many times before. But if you just follow the flow, Demons is actually one of the better bands out there right now, but really, even though I like “Stockholm Slump”, I’d listen to The Hellacopters or Backyard Babies any day rather than this. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

The Dukes Of Hamburg; Some Folks

Gearhead Records

(Provided by Black & White PR)

It doesn’t take very long to realize, that you’re not to take these guys seriously. To begin with, this five-piece just look ridiculous on the cover-art, meaning they both look stupid and ugly. But if only that was all… I mean, what is up with pretending to be German, and writing everything within the inlay card in German, when in reality you’re from San Francisco? See what I mean? Not serious, right? It isn’t no, but it’s not very funny either. However, when these guys start jamming through 14 songs of that 60’s area rhythm & blues type stuff, with a hint of that garage rock that is so popular these days, you know that everything is going to be ok. It’s good, that’s what it is, and sounding somewhere between Bo Diddley and Little Richard (just without too much piano), these guys are destined to keep those foots tapping and those hands clapping. So you take on those dancing shoes boy, and dance, dance until morning comes, cos rhythm & blues just doesn’t get much better than this these days. Not without starting digging in a few graves, anyway. (JJJJJJJJJJ)   

 

Blake Hazard; Little Airplane

Kimchee Records

I really didn’t know much about Kimchee Records before I received a promo-package with some of their newest releases, and I must say that I am into nearly everything I’ve heard so far. This is yet another pleasant surprise. Blake Hazard is, even though people might tell you otherwise, a singer/songwriter in its’ purest form. She doesn’t feel the need to go down the boring and traditional road of the typical singer/songwriter releases filling the pop-rock scene these days, though. Instead she has just decided to write a bunch of good pop-songs that eventually have turned into something that just might appeal to a lot of people. Sure, there might be a melancholic feel to some of the songs, but for the most part this could easily go as radio-friendly yet serious pop-music. Often the songs are plain acoustic guitar-based, and while these are really enjoyable, it seems that whenever Blake Hazard and band decide to add a little extra color to the picture by combining semi-electric guitars, electric pop rhythms, organs and hand-claps, you find them where you really want them to be. “Little Airplane” is a great album that offers well-written songs, good instrumentation, good production (by John Dragonetti from Jack Drag), and last but not least, the fabulous vocals delivered by Blake herself. There should be a something for any fan of female-fronted pop-music here, be it Sheryl Crow-type pop-music, Beth Orgon’s electric-rock or the plastic-like pop of The Cardigans. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

The Hellacopters; Cream Of The Crap

Gearhead Records/Universal Music

(Provided by Black & White PR)

It isn’t that long since the Swedes in The Hellacopters released their latest album through Universal Music. Now they’re at it again, but this time with a bunch of old, unreleased and rare stuff that probably first and foremost will appeal to hardcore fans of the band. We’re talking songs from magazine-samplers, old split-CD’s and other funny stuff like that, and even though this probably isn’t as appealing as their latest studio effort, it still makes for great round of straight-ahead rock n’ roll with a garage-feel that’ll appeal to fans of bands like Kiss, AC/DC, MC5, The Stooges and Rolling Stones… And speaking of the Devil, the cover of the Rolling Stones classic “Gimme Shelter” is one of the absolute highlights on this overall great CD. Now the only question is: When will we hear the second volume of this thing? There’s gonna be one, you know. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Hockey Night; Rad Zapping

Bowling Green Station

I love it when bands dear to be different from the rest of them, experimenting with a lot of exciting stuff. Shout outs to Hockey Night for, at least, being different and having the balls to be it. Other than that, in the future, I think I’ll be letting Hockey Night’s self-released album “Rad Zapping” be nothing but a memory. A memory of how things shouldn’t be done. Sure, it’s experimenting with lots of different stuff, and a lot of it is quite original, really, but when it all comes down to creating good songs, the plate just seems to be a little short of meat. Combining hip hop and dance beats, with every imaginable kind of rock music, adding rap-vocals, screams as well as melodic singing to the mix, it would seem like there should’ve been some good ideas to find among the 12 tracks. And while the things mentioned above might not come across as very experimenting these days, as lots of bands are doing exactly that, in this case this really is way out there, I’d say. And really, there are lots of ideas’, there just aren’t many that are overly good. To be fair though, there are a few good tracks among the chaos, but sadly too few to make this an overall good record. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

In Passing; This Boy Will Self Destruct

Self-released

Here’s yet another American indie-rock band. Judging from the picture I got with this CD the band-members are young, and for a young band this is ok stuff. However, there isn’t anything new or even slightly ground breaking to be found here. Just the typical indie-rock that is so common these days. You have to be into indie-type stuff to like In Passing, otherwise there just won’t be anything for you here. If you’re a fan of indie-rock however, and one of those fanatical ones at that – you know, the ones that just get enough of this type of stuff - then this 4-song EP is for you. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

Kansas; Device – Voice – Drum

SPV/Nordic Metal

(Provided by Nordic Metal)

With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, it’s not too unlikely that Kansas is the best selling progressive rock-act in the world next to Pink Floyd. However, everything this band has released during the years hasn’t been gold, and as far as gold goes the period with Kerry Livgren behind the wheels was by far the best for this band, especially when considering that some of the solo-stuff from Kerry is way better than a lot of the latest Kansas stuff. Kerry, of course, isn’t to be found on this release, but a lot of the songs he penned back in the day are still standard procedure on the bands set list. This double live-album finds Kansas celebrating their 25th anniversary, and I think they’ve done it quite nicely. Actually, I don’t remember hearing any recorded Kansas live-stuff previously that sounds better than this. As a whole though, I don’t think this album will appeal to a whole lot of other people other than those who’ve already opened their eyes to Kansas’ progressive and still accessible rock-songs, which at the same as being advanced and highly technical are catchy, ear-appealing and radio-friendly. “Carry On Wayward Son” on its’ own though, should appeal to just about anybody. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Krush; Sindrome

TMAG Records

Back in the day, I used to listen a lot to this really unknown hard rock/heavy metal band Crystavox, which in my opinion was really good, and therefore I never quite understood why they called their quits. Now it seems that their drummer is the new drummer in Krush. I reviewed Krush’s previous album “Welcome To Paradise” a couple of yours ago, and even though I don’t remember much of what was going on, and what I said about it (could always check the archives though, couldn’t I?), I remember that it was classic rock to the bone. As such, this album is a lot heavier, and even though it still has a classic rock quality to it, this is much more along the lines of heavy metal than classic rock. The guitar-riffs are heavier, the drummer is tighter and the vocalist does scream a lot more. As I remember it, the production is also much better on the new album, which is another step in the right direction for this fine American band, which has had a long time in following up on their debut. All in all this is good stuff that will appeal to fans of heavy metal and classic rock. Now these guys should try not to take so long to release a third album. (JJJJJJJJJJ)  

 

Lesser Lights; Ensounds

Self-released

This group might think they’ve got something good going, but believe me - they don’t, really. I mean, we already have one Dave Matthews Band, and they’re boring enough. So we really don’t need another band trying to be Dave Matthews Band, when in reality they’re ten times worse songwriters as well as musicians. Ok, maybe I am too harsh on them. It’s possible that they’re good songwriters, and they might even be wonderful musicians, they just don’t show it on this recording. And the production just doesn’t have what it takes to make these songs capture the listener’s attention. Ok, they might not be Dave Matthews Band copycats, as Lesser Lights’ sound is a bit more dark and freaky, but underneath the psychedelic guitar-solos and weird arrangements, what you’ve got left is, for the most part, semi-acoustic singer/songwriter stuff that’s pretty similar to what David Matthews Band have been cramming out for years. The female singer does add a little light to the table though. So if the rest of them really want lesser lights, maybe they should fire her. But really, from what can be heard on this recording, she’d probably be better off anyway. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Masterplan; Masterplan

AFM/Nordic Metal

(Provided by Nordic Metal)

Helloween might not have been the most influental band in the history of music, but with time more and more former members of this band keep popping up in new bands. Supared is one of them, Masterplan is another, and both these bands will be touring together in in early 2003 in order to promote their new albums. Masterplan is made up by former Helloween members Roland Grapow (guitar) and Ulli Kusch (drums), former Iron Savior bassist Jan S. Eckert, as well as singer Jorn Lande and keyboard-player Axel Mackenrott. The five-piece is a lot more komplex in content than Helloween ever was, as the progressive sound-structures go far beyond the speedy and clean melodies of power metal. There are lots of different elements in there, and several well-rehearsed tempo-changes make for an overall pleasent ride through the progressive metal universe. However, I had a hard time getting through my promo-copy more than a couple of times, since I didn’t have the oppertunity to skip to the bits I liked the most, as the 11 tracks that will be featured on the actual CD are all mixed into one long track here, and as much as I do like to listen to records in their whole lenghts, this record has a few of those “press skip” moments. When you buy this you won’t have to worry about this, though. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

Mensen; Delusions Of Grandeur

Gearhead Records

(Provided by Black & White PR)

When considering the name of this Norwegian four-piece, made up by three girls and a guy (you lucky bastard!), one should think that this might be slightly angrier than the case is. Why? Well, because mensen is the Norwegian word for menstruation, that’s why. Aren’t girls getting all angry and shit at that time of the month? Whatever. This actually sounds pretty sweet for the most part. The songs are straightforward rock n’ roll with a punk attitude. The choruses are great, and the riffs are really catchy. What can I say? With 15 songs of pure girlie rock n’ roll sing-a-longs, this hits all the way home. The only thing I think could’ve been better are the vocals. I mean these girls do not know the first thing about hitting the right notes, but then again this is only rock n’ roll, and I guess in this case it’s a part of the charm. So forget about it, and go straight out and buy this. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

New Bomb Turks; The Night Before The Day The Earth Stood Still

Gearhead Records

(Provided By Black & White PR)

With the whole 70’ties rock thing going on with The Strokes, White Stripes and The Hives leading the way, bands like New Bomb Turks, even though not quite comparable to any of those bands, should be riding the waves too, but on a commercial level, it doesn’t seem that they quite have been getting things going, really. Anyways, previously on Epitaph and now and Gearhead Records, a label that previously has released stuff by The Hellacopters and The Hives, it seems like these guys are in good hands. The New Bombs Turks do not bring a whole lot of new things to the garage rock scene of today, they never did, but what they lack in originality they have plenty in charm and good vibrations. Add a few horns and shit like that to the overall sludgy garage rock the band specialized in, and you’ve got yourselves a pretty entertaining record, that never has seen the slightest shadow of overproduced fanciness. This is raw, sleazy and downright dirty, and something worth checking out. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Pagan’s Mind; Celestial Entrance

LMP/Nordic Metal

(Provided by Nordic Metal)

It’s funny, sometimes under certain circumstances, when you listen to a record, it just doesn’t give you what you need, while under other circumstances everything just falls into place after one listen. Well, this record might not be exactly like this, but the few first spins I gave this really didn’t do anything for me at all. I had it in my computer, while people talking in the background and so on. Ok, I know, I should listen to the records I review while being alone, or at least somewhere I can concentrate on listening to them, but then again, a good record should be able to capture your attention wherever you are, and that means walking the dog, being at work, in the supermarket or at home doing nothing. Heck, it should even capture your attention when you’re in a swimming pool with your head under water. We’re going nowhere here, aren’t we? Well, point is, this didn’t do anything for me while listening to it with people around me, but whence I threw it in my disk-man, it became a different story altogether. It didn’t become the greatest record in the world or anything, neither did it become the greatest power metal album of new, but it sure did make for a few entertaining minutes of good, well-played and slightly progressive power metal. This Norwegian six-piece has nailed the power metal nail on the head of several occasions here, and with a crystal clean production delivered by Fredrik Nordstom (Hammerfall etc.) and some of the most appealing, Dream Theater-ish heavy riffs, this one is bound to please power metal fan around the globe. Pagan’s Mind aren’t likely to take Balance of Powers’ battleship down. Who would, really? But then again, they’re better than most of what we’re being spoon-fed within this genre these days. I think this is a keeper. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Roxette; The Ballads Hits

Capitol Records

I was once a big fan of Roxette. Yeah, it was when I was about 10-14 years old, when albums like “Look Sharp” and “Joyride” came out, and to this day I sometimes pull out those records and actually enjoy them. Per Gessle is a good songwriter, but Maria Fredriksson is an even better singer, and as a previous fan you can imagine it saddens me to hear that Maria is struggling with a brain-tumor and might not actually make it. Since the release of “Joyride” Roxette hasn’t had much of interest to contribute to the ever-growing pop-scene. Sure, “Tourism” had a few good songs, and there’ve even been a few pleasant surprises along the way, but mostly their music has just been plain boring, for which this compilation is a perfect testimony. Only the lighter ballad-type songs are on this, but then again a lot of the good songs from the early period were exactly that; ballads. But when songs like “Fading Like A Flower”, “Spending My Time” and “It Must Have Been Love” have passed there isn’t much to drool over anymore, least of all the 2 new songs. My copy of this album features an extra CD with four additional songs, but nothing really goes under the skin here either. Roxette is just not what they used to be, or maybe I just grew up without noticing it. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Santana; Shaman

Arista/BMG

Once one of the most inspiring guitarists in rock, Santana has now watered dawn his sound sounding like anything you’d hear on the radio if you ever bothered to turn it on. Well, actually if you turn it on chances are that you’d hear Santana somewhere along the way. Not surprisingly “Shaman” follows down the same road that 2000’s “Supernatural” traveled, and with one of the biggest selling albums of that year altogether, who can blame him? It’s a shame though, that there isn’t much to write home about on “Shaman”, especially when you think about what Santana once could pull off. This is nothing but the most slick and polished pop/R&B/Latin/soft-rock around these days, and it doesn’t help with collaborations with artists as varied as Dido, Placido Domingo, Macy Gray og Chad Kroeger (Nickelback). For the most part this is just boring, but there are two good cuts on this though. The P.O.D.-written and performed song “America”, that has some of the finest bluesy and latin-esque solo-guitar around, and proofs that Santana still can if only he wants too. The other cool track is the semi-ballad “You Are My Kind”, which features Seal’s amazing vocals. Wouldn’t pay pull price for two great songs though. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

         

Slick 60; Burden Of Silence

Self-released

With over 19.000 downloads of their songs on MP3.com, you know your dealing with a band on their way forward, but still the labels haven’t come knocking on their doors. Not yet anyway. The musical approach of Slick 60 however, isn’t that far away from the sound that the record labels are all over these days. Yeah, that right, we’re talking modern metal here, with catchy and metallic guitar-riffs, some hip hop influences here and there, melodic singing as well as hardcore screaming. And it all sounds really well. It does. It’s just that this machine is so overheated these days that it just might be possible that these guys have come calling a little too late. If you’re into the whole hardcore meets modern metal thing, Slick 60 might be just what the doctor ordered. Take my word for it, there’s some good stuff on this 10-song disc, even though it isn’t groundbreaking in any way. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Sometimes Why; To All Loose Ends

Goodtimeszy Music

I was meaning to review this one in last months issue, but didn’t as I couldn’t find anything to say about them, even though this probably was the one album I listened to the most. Well, I still don’t know much to say about it, other than that this Canadian outfit really hit the nail on the head on this one. Besides Irate’s “11;34”, that was reviewed in last months issue, this is probably the best independent album I’ve heard in a very long time. These guys play their rock-tunes with energy and emotion. Sometimes they border on radio-friendly pop-rock, at others they rock out with the best and hardest of them. The very best thing about this release though, is the lead-singers voice. It’s freaking awesome. The funny thing is however, that he often reminds me a little of the singer of the 80’s jazz—pop-rock band Level 42, how strange that may sound. Other times he sounds like the perfect singer for any of the pop/punk bands currently blowing up the American radio-charts. Luckily though, he’s not in any of those bands, but in Sometimes Why. Exactly where he should be, playing catchy riff-based rock-music, that doesn’t necessarily suck up to the major record-labels. Someone should sign them anyway. Or let me put it this way; that is exactly why someone should sign them. (JJJJJJJJJJ)  

 

Sort Sol; Circle Hits The Flame/Best Off 

Mercury/Columbia

This compilation has been out for quite a while now, but with the whole Past and Present Webzine turning into English thing, and Danish music not being overly popular outside of Denmark, introducing readers from other countries to some Danish music just seemed like the right thing to do. Being a punk-band when they originally started way back, the 90’ties had them become a more straightforward, laid-back and stripped down rock band with a melancholic feel to it. Kinda like something that would do wonders in the hand of Tarantino and one of his crazy movies. Even though being around for a long time these guys, frontet by a one-armed singer, got their Danish break-through in 1993, when a few songs from their album “Glamourpuss” were featured in the Danish thriller “Nattevagten.” A movie that later got the worst Hollywood makeover with Nick Nolte and Even McGregor in the leading roles. In my opinion this album is also by far the best this band has ever made, even though nothing really bad has ever come from the hands of these guys. However, a few songs can come across as a bit boring with their overly melancholic and laid-back song-structures. Mostly though, Sort Sol is a band people should be looking into, and by that I do not only mean Danish people.  Cos, let’s face it there’ve hardly been anyone outside of Denmark that have given these guys the light of day. Check out songs like “Popcorn”, “Let The Fingers Do The Walking” and “Dog Man Star.” (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Souljahz; The Fault Is History

Warner Bros. Records

With band-members being 17, 21 and 22, this new hip hop trio is a very young outfit indeed, and even though they’re not too likely to be selling as many records as other equally young artists like Britney Spears or Alicia Keys, it’s still quite impressive to be signing a deal with Warner Bros. at this age. But releasing music through Warner Bros. does not always mean that you’re releasing good music, which has been proven time and time again by one shitty cash-in release after another. By these standards Souljahz are quite good actually, and for their age they’re quite good too, but when it all comes down to being remembered in, say, two years, I’m afraid the hip hop and R&B collaborations of Souljahz just are two thin, as well as too candy-coated, sweet and safe. “The Fault Is History” is however, far from being the worst-case scenario of modern hip hop and R&B, which one glace at MTV should prove. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Tech-Nine; Devil In The Backseat

I Scream Records

Punk and hardcore-veterans return for yet another album, and this time around they’ve added more melody than previously. There isn’t much to say about this record, really. These are fast and entertaining rock-songs that border between aggressive hardcore and melodic punk and oi, and the tunes work pretty well too. I mean, this isn’t “we’re the best band in the world” kind of stuff, but songs like “Bombs Away”, “Murder In The First Degree” and “Devil In The Backseat” will have any punk-rocker out there shouting from the top of their lungs. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Tiger Saw; Blessed Are The Trials We Will Find

Kimchee Records

Tiger Saw might not be the most adventurous band out there, and they might not be the most original band either, but when it comes to writing good, warm and romantic songs for those cold and long winter-nights, Tiger Saw just might be leading the pack. Ok, maybe not entirely, but they sure know how to set the right mood with songs that sometimes come across as sad and a bit melancholic, while still having a warm and romantic feel to them. The overall sound-picture gains a lot from a variety of different instruments such as violas, cellos and trumpets, as well as baritone and elbow-guitars, which might not be what you hear every day within the slowcore genre, even though it’s not entirely unusual either. The most special thing about this outfit though are the vocals that wonderfully go back and forth between Juliet Nelson and Dylan Metrano, adding, for a slowcore band, the most important thing of all to the overall sound. I bet this one would go along just fine with you, your girlfriend and bottle of wine in front of the fireplace. But don’t get any ideas now, you hear? (JJJJJJJJJJ)    

 

Times Expired; Taciturnity

Self-released

Released in 1996 this is a bit old to be reviewed in the January issue of 2003, isn’t it? But as we always review anything that is sent to us, we’ll also tell you what we think of this one. Actually this was sent to me along with their newest EP, which is also reviewed in this months issue. And at that, it’s quite interesting to see how this band has evolved during the years. On this album they’re mostly straight-ahead rap/metal that a little later on become so popular. The production could’ve been better though, as the sound is a bit weak at times, but it has obviously been taken care off on their new EP. If you want to get into this band, get their EP instead of this one. It’s a lot better, and more varied. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Torrez; The Evening Drag

Kimchee Records

Apparently the two original members of this band, Kim Torrez and Sidney Alexis, are lovers, and were supposed to get married back in 1998. They didn’t though, but instead they moved to Spain where they lived primitively for five months without having electricity and running water. This obviously inspired the loving couple to create a lot of songs, even though it was mostly Kim who wrote them. The band is completed by brothers John (drums) and Chris (bass) Greiner, but those two, even though important for the bands overall sound, really play the smaller roles in this band, as the songs are mostly based around the dreamy guitar and keyboard-lines of Sidney Alexis, and the just as dreamy and sweet vocals of Kim Torrez, with the drums and bass merely playing along. As so many of their colleges at Kimchee Records, Torrez’ sound is melancholic and dark, but still not without drawing pop-sensibilities. Torrez however, might be a tad more difficult to swallow for the commercial-minded music-buyer, than, say, Tiger Saw, even though most modern-music lovers probably wouldn’t give them the light of day either. (JJJJJJJJJJ)    

 

The Underground; All The Passion In The World

Self-released

As the name of this is San Francisco-based lot suggests, this band comes straight out of the indie-rock underground. And from where I am sitting, there’s no wonder why these guys still find themselves in the underground rather on a big label. I mean, these guys might’ve named their album “All The Passion In The World”, but in reality passion is the first thing this record seems to be missing as the songs monotonously go by one by one. Secondly, the lead-singers capacity to hit the right notes is also left in the woods. Otherwise, this is indie pop in its’ most simple format, and that is the one thing in this review that is not necessarily meant as a band thing. Most of the songs go along dressed in a lazy, semi-acoustic sound, which oftentimes gives this band a nearly Bob Dylan-esque singer/songwriter quality to it, which is alright. For the most part though, this is just a boring and going nowhere. (JJJJJJJJJJ)   

 

Various Artists; Apocalypse Always

Alternative Tentacles Records

After being extremely disappointed in Darryl Cherney & The Chernobles’ single “Bush It”, and being pleasantly surprised by Articles Of Faith, I did not know what to expect from this 26-track compilation from Alternative Tentacles Records. Well, all in all this is a good compilation that covers the punk and hardcore-music one could expect from Alternative Tentacles, as well as a lot of dirty rock n’ roll-ish sing-a-longs, and last but not least, the occasional spoken-word track in between the energetic rock-songs. It’s always fun and inspiring to hear Jello Biafra, even though you might not share his opinions on everything, and in this case, it’s a perfect start for this compilation letting Jello Biafra share some of his memories of Joey Ramone (and The Ramones as a band for that matter). Some 22 songs later Jello appears again, this time not as a speaker though, as he and three other guys jam their way through a great version of “American Woman.” Of course, there are a few songs on this CD that I do not like. For instance there’s “Boredom Is The Reason” by M.I.A., and surely, boredom must be the reason, as these guys truly suck, especially the singer who can’t hit the right notes. But then there are bands like The Fartz that actually put the water where the mouth is and bring on an uncompromising hardcore-bomb. Overall there should be a little bit for any punk out there on “Apocalypse Always”. Well, maybe with the exception of the blue-haired, chewing-gumming baggypants-wearing pop-punkers, anyway. (JJJJJJJJJJ)   

 

Various Artists; In Our Lifetime Vol. 3 – The Revenge Of Boston

Fenway Recordings

If you’re from Boston, you probably know most of these bands, and you probably even hear some of them live whenever you get a chance! For the rest of us, I can assure you that there’s a lot of good music to start digging into on this Boston-based sampler. Anyways, if any of you for some reason ever end up in Boston for a few days, it could be fun to go see some of these bands, as they are no strangers to the local club-scene according to the inlay-card on this sampler. However, bigger bands like Cave In and Dropkick Murphys might not be in town for the weekend, but chances are that some of the others will. And speaking of the devil, there’s no wonder that Cave In finally got picked up by a major-label. Their track “Dark Driving” is the best thing on this sampler, and one of the best things in rock these days, really. Superb. Other than Cave in, great bands like The Kickovers, The Damn Personals and Piebald stand out with well-played and catchy songs. The Sheila Divine play some Radiohead meets Coldplay-ish indie pop-rock. Heavy Stud also fansy their indie pop and their chick lead-singer does a good job. Can’t say the same thing about the latin rhythms Kaiju Big Battel deliver, though. How on earth did that one end on this sampler? It’s crap. Well, what else do we have here besides rock, rock, rock, latin, rock, rock and rock? Here… Insight. Hmm, it’s rap. Good stuff. No music at all, but the rapping is fast and cuts to the bone. Would’ve been nice with some groovy bass-beats and funky drums, though. Hey enough blabbering already. Try it yourself, there’s something for everyone here, really. I might’ve said that there’s a lot of rock on this, and there is, but rock can be a lot of things, and this goes all over the rock-territory. (JJJJJJJJJJ)   

 

Various Artists; Re:play – Dance Mania

Bonnier Music Sweden

I don’t know any of the artists on this record. They can all be big dance-starts for all that I know. I don’t spend much time on this sort of thing anymore, and I will tell you why. A lot of these artists, perhaps even most of them, have no talent. There, that’s why. Take this record for instance, it features a lot of really good songs from the past, but all these artists can do is butcher the original versions with their unoriginal dance-beats. They don’t add anything new or refreshing to the songs, even though they’ve added a whole lot of modern technology. Ok, some of the original songs sucked to begin with, and there was nothing anyone in this could do to save them, so we’ll not hold that against the artists who suck just as much on the new versions. Normally I like songs like “Sweet Dreams” (Eurythmics), “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” (Belinda Carlisle), “Heaven” (Bryan Adams), “Forever Young” (Alphaville) and ”Moonlight Shadow” (Mike Oldfield), but when I hear them played by artists such as DJ Sammy, Interactive and Groove Carnage, I just want to die. Don’t waste your money on this one. If you want some real dance-music, go buy some Moby-stuff. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

The Very Girls; Elsewhere Bound

Recovery Recordings

I don’t know, somehow the name The Very Girls seems a little misleading, since the two females that make up this duo, Aggie and Ankie, do not come across as very girlie. Perhaps they should change the name to The Singing Housewives. That is, if they’re married of course (just kidding). Anyways, I first heard about this Dutch duo in the American webzine 1340mag, where this album was rated with an A, and was said to be impossible not to like. Well, I wouldn’t say that I hate this, but I certainly don’t like it very much either. It strikes me as a bit boring at times, as the two girls, with help from a long list of guest musicians, play and sing their way through twelve tracks of pure country and folk-rock, but mostly without any nerve and attitude. The only time I got my head nodding was in “Win Back Your Love” that ironically features guest male-vocals. I am sure these girls are sincere and honest about what they do, but it just isn’t something they show very well. I like country, and I like folk music, but somehow I am just not all that impressed with The Very Girls. Now I’d like to hear an Emmylou Harris record, just to hear how this really ought to be done. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Single/EP of the month:

 

Suntan; Suntan

Kimchee Records

This debut 3-song EP, by this Boston-based band, is probably one of the most “far out there” records in this months pile. Even though indie-rock in nature, Suntan takes their minimalist sound far beyond the typical radio-friendly indie pop-rock that seems to be so popular in the US these days. Suntan takes the listener on a journey that lasts for almost half an hour (remember there’s on three songs on this…), where they guide us from the psychedelic sound-landscapes of the 60/70’ties all the way up til the rock n’ roll world of today. Progressive indie, anyone? At times they’re lazy and laid-back, at others they’re noisy, chaotic and downright dangerous. Take “L * 249747” for instance, where the bands starts off with a wall of summing synth sounds slowly building into a regular indie-pop song. Or so we thought, until the band chose to give it all they had in them, kicking into some of the most furiously fast and noisy rock n’ roll heard in a long time. They should end their concerts like that. It would kill, man. Anyways, they get our stamp of approval. Rock on. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Other singles/EP’s this month:

 

Celestial Static; Rumors Of Snow

Self-released

Where I come from (Faroe Islands) you don’t hear rumors of snow. The snow comes and goes like the wind blows in other places. So you can image I really hate snow. I don’t hate this tough. Actually I kind of love it. Seven songs of wonderful modern rock fronted by appealing female vocals that from time to time wander into indie-pop territory. At times the band reminds me of Considering Lily, at others it reminds me of early Sixpence None The Richer as well as mid 90’ties Alanis Morrisette, but even though this never goes beyond being safe for the radio-stations, it’s a little more sharp around the edges than the music of the previously mentioned bands, mostly because of some great guitar-melodies along the way. This is good stuff. (JJJJJJJJJJ)  

 

Darryl Cherney & The Chernobles; Bush It

Alternative Tentacles Records

When I first heard about this single I though that would be really funny. And it is, really! I mean, two songs of nothing but making fun of George Bush, that’s gotta be cool, cos, let’s face it, there are few men that need to be made fun of as badly as that sucker George freakin’ Bush. But then again, what good is it making fun of Bush, when there’s no music to back it up, as the folkish sing-a-longs on this one literally suck? If you’re a bush-hater however, and you can look beyond two rather shitty songs, it’s quite possible that you’ll love this. The rest of us, we’ll just settle for Jello Biafra’s newest spoken word album, which is both funny and very informative. But hey, don’t let me fool you. Check it out if you want to. Who knows, you might be singing these words all year: “Send George Bush a pretzel, send one every day…” (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

K-Again; Ultraviolence

2KK Records

“Ultraviolence” is a quite fitting title for this 3-song demo, as it turns out to be violent as hell. Ultra-violent really. When opener “My time” kicked off, I thought it would become a Fear Factory inspired metal-assault. Well, it really didn’t, but it became a nearly as good big beast of a metalcore assault with thundering drums and brick-wall heavy guitar-riffs. It’s quite good if you’re into this kind of music really, but it’s a shame that the following two tracks just follow the same pattern as in the opening track. Good, but could’ve been better. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Longwave; Day Sleeper EP

Fenway Recordings

“Day Sleeper”, the first track on this EP, is just so good. It’s the kind of music people used to call noice-pop or noice-rock back in the day, and the kind of music a lot of bands play so freakin’ well live, but always fail to capture on CD. Longwave do, however, capture the magic of the chaotic noice-rock on this track, with some really atmospheric yet noisy guitar-lines along with some chaotic drum-patterns. After this track the band somehow feels the need to slow a bit down, and does that quite well with some nice indie-pop tunes, that, even though they’re not overtly original, go quite nicely with what’s going on in Europe indie-wise these days. “Everywhere You Turn” has a U2-vibe going on, while “Pool Song” leans a bit towards the Coldplay-way of writing pop-tunes, without really sounding like Coldplay. I like it. (JJJJJJJJJJ)  

 

Megiddon; Incidents Before The Time

Self-released

These guys have a few Norwegian black metal albums in their record-collection, no doubt about that. However, these Finns do not feel the need to rip of any of the Norwegian black metal kings, cos they make it alright on their own. “Incidents Before The Time” is not mind-blowing in any way though, but far from being bad either. This isn’t entirely black metal either really, as it is mostly the singer who has a few too many black metal screams in this closet. It is also the black metal side of this band, that is the least appealing, but when the band sticks to straight-up jamming metal with a few melodic guitar-solos and atmospheric keyboards thrown in, that’s where they’re at their best. (JJJJJJJJJJ) 

 

Orkest; 4-song Demo

Self-released

One word: Wow. The first song on this demo, “Disembler”, just might be the best song out of all releases reviewed this issue (not best off compilations included, obviously), as it features the most smashing, hard-hitting and groovy piece of metal heard in a long time, completed by the most sing-a-long-ish chorus imaginable. And the vocals, ah the vocals. Beautiful. Absolutely amazing. That song alone should be enough reason for these guys to become huge. The three other tunes on this demo, are, however, not quite as appealing as “Disembler”. The rest of the songs go along in a kind of stripped down and slow tempo, making the way for a few seriously hardcore-infected assaults. For a demo though, this is really good. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Septic; Inception Of Death

Winterthorn

Originally recorded and released independently way back in 1992, these seven songs have now caught the attention of independent label Winterthorn who has seen to they got digitally re-mastered for a re-release, and while this isn’t bad, this certainly isn’t anything to wet your pants over either. It’s death metal as it sounded back then, pure and simple – and now undeniably dated. A lot of band did it better before Septic, and a lot of bands have done it better since, even though the opposite is just as true about just as many other bands. The bottom-line is this: If you’ were getting into death metal ten years ago, and you’ve wished for the time to stand still ever since, then this will probably be right up your alley. If you, however, have moved on since then, and currently find pleasure in listening to bands like Arch Enemy and the likes, then this won’t be your cup of virgin blood, I guarantee it. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Shred Of Hope; Demo 2002

Self-released

Here we have a few tracks from yet another band trying to make themselves a name within the ever so populated genre of death metal. Unfortunately the material on this demo won’t take them to the top, as it doesn’t add anything new to the genre, nor does it really stand up against hundreds of other bands having released stuff within this genre in the past. The music is not quite as energy-filled and brutal as one could expect, and it sure doesn’t take the lead-singers otherwise guttural growls to the next level. The music doesn’t really suck, though. It’s just that this has been made so often in the past, and often a lot better than this too, which in the end just sees Shred Of Hope becoming another face in the crowd. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Times Expired; …The Elements E.P.

Self-released

These guys really surprised me with their groovy and catchy metal-injected songs. There’s obviously a nu-metal thing going on with these guys, as there are influences from the metal and hardcore scenes alike, as well as the hip hop and rap-scene thrown into the music, and even though this probably makes you think that we don’t need another band like that, I can assure you, that Times Expired is actually a lot better than many of those horrible bands you hear on MTV. All three songs on this EP showcase a band with a lot of talent, and a band that should be up and coming within this scene that right now is hotter than Hell. Unfortunately this is also a scene that has had its’ 15 minutes of fame and might come crashing any minute now. But hey, this is great music, and if you’re into a good mixture of metal, hardcore and hip hop, then this is for you. Did I mention that they’ve been doing this since 1992? (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Traci 66; Traci 66

Self-released

The first time I had this four-song demo in the CD-player, it didn’t do anything for me. Luckily, I gave it second change, as well as a third, fourth and so on… Now I actually like it, and even though there is nothing modern-sounding about any of these tracks, songs like “Fake” and “All I Need” could easily be specially made for those mix-tapes you do at home. You know, the ones you make for the car, dishwashing, waking the dog or whatever. You won’t find the newest MTV-hit here, that’s for sure, but if you can settle for some downright sleazy rock n’ roll with a 70’ties touch, you can do a lot worse than Traci 66. (JJJJJJJJJJ)

 

Thalia Zedek; You’re A Big Girl Now

Kimchee Records

Anyone who chooses to play Bob Dylan and Lou Reed penned songs on their records should at least get a pat on the back for having good tastes. Thalia Zedek gets an extra pat since she obviously also knows how to write quality singer/songwriter type folk rock for herself. She might not be the most original artist out there, and it’s quite possible if it wasn’t for a certain Bob Dylan she wouldn’t even know she could write music, but what has come out of these six songs is quite enjoyable really. Even though highly inspired by Bob Dylan, Thalia has a much more dark and melancholic feel to her music, that actually is the one thing that might make her face stand out from the crowd a bit. The best cut on this EP is probably the Lou Reed penned Velvet Underground song “Candy Says”, about the often referred to transvestite Candy Darling, which gets the nicest treatment from Thalia Zedek and band. (JJJJJJJJJJ)    

 

Issue #4 - December 2002 – In Danish

 

Issue #3 - November 2002 – In Danish

 

Issue #2 - October 2002 – In Danish

 

Issue #1 – September 2002 – In Danish