CheechWell, it's been a little less than four years since we've last seen a Cheech full length, however, they did release that split with Troy, NY's Lastcall in 2005. The most likely reason why it took almost four years for these guys to get this out was because of the injury that their bassist Harry sustained, like the true stand up dudes they are, they waited for their fallen member to rejoin the ranks. And things like that are just one of the many reasons why I love these guys so much. They have released 3 full lengths (including this one), a split, and demos and never got much label help aside from Jason over at NGS Records, who released their last full length, "Keep Your Pimp Hand Strong," yet they always kept at it, which shows you that these guys are in it because they truly love it. They don't do it because they want to get on a big label and make money, they don't have aspirations of getting airplay on MTV or what ever nut ass radio station that you shouldn't be listening to. If only every hardcore band played the game the way these guys do...
What we have here is 13 tracks that make up the bulk of this album. All of the tracks are brand spanking new except for "NerdCrusher" which initially appeared on that split that I already mentioned. There are however, 4 additional bonus tracks that are included, one of those include a redone version of "Words of Cheech" that was initially on their last full length "Keep Your Pimp Hand Strong." The other three songs my stoner ass can't figure out where their from, if anywhere at all. One of these songs has a sample from CB4, so that gets a big thumbs up from me.
Musically, what can you expect? Well, if you are at all familiar with ANY of the band's prior material than you should already know because there ain't a damn thing that has changed. You can expect more HARDCORE that draws from the likes of Blood for Blood with some metal influences. I mean seriously, I have said it so many times, these guys are able to blend their punk, hardcore, and metal influences flawlessly.
And speaking of Blood for Blood, Buddha appears on the song "Suck At Life". The other guests on the CD include Shane Revenge of 518 on "Expect To Get Hit", Back of Tha Neck's Ed Grim on "Coke & Uzis" and Dave Tree of Tree and Superpower on "Dignity For Sale."
Lyrically, these guys never disappoint and while there isn't a clear standout like "Emo Wigger Shot In The Face" the overall quality makes up for it. You got Brad singing about black samurai's saving the day, stupid poseurs, the business of drug dealing, the crushing of nerds, our grinning idiot of a president, drinking beers, keeping your true bud(s) close, and other wise words of wisdom.
These guys did yet another bang up job with the recording. With all the money these guys spend on booze and weed and no label help it's really a wonder how these guys are able to put out such great sounding records. The overall mix sounds like big ass and titties.
Definitely loving the use of papyrus looking paper with the tattoo styled artwork that graces the front cover. The lyrics are displayed over a background that consists of black silhouetted pictures and the shit is nice and easy to read.
Rating: 5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: ‘Grinning Idiot', ‘Suck At Life', & ‘Black Samurai'
Synopsis: If you have been reading this site during the last 5 or so years, then you should know exactly where I stand. As far as I'm concerned Cheech can do no wrong by me. The fact that they have stuck to their tried and true formula shows why I love these guys. Like their other albums, this CD has the perfect balance of punk hardcore influences with the more metallic side of the genre. BUY THIS CD!
THIS CD CAN BE BOUGHT AT ALL THE WELL KNOW DISTROS: Very.com, Interpunk.com, etc., so don't be a fruit, be a pal and buy this shit!