Killer BearI did a review of a cassette that these guys released on Sassobologna Records for this Quad Cities, IL band about a year or so ago, it showed promise. It just lacked a solid recording.
These guys have indeed gotten a bit tighter this time around. Throughout the six songs found on this EP (They tend to keep it short, with the songs sticking to the 2:30 area or less) the band mix and matches their influences. There are some more metal type sections, some rocked out parts, some pretty nice breakdowns now and again. The vocalist still has his BTBAM moments which I still love.
The lyrics (from what I could read/understand) are sarcastic and witty and attack the government and its politicians, religions who try to tell people where they will go in the after life, sucking on big sticks and other fine fodder.
The recording leaves a lot to be desired. The entire mix just sounds too thin. Even if they were going for the dirty recording, it didn't work. The drums sounded way too low and thin. The guitar, as you would've guessed was thin, not much presence at all. The bass was lost in the background, barely rearing its head. The vocals, were alright but it was just such a low and distant mix that it doesn't really matter.
The layout isn't really anything that spectacular, it is definitely DIY though. It has a spray painted stencil that is placed over a thick cardboard. It has black and red with the band members photos on the back. One of the most aggravating things about the entire layout was how straining it is to read the lyrics (which are printed on an insert, which I'm glad to see included). Sloppy handwriting bunched together, completely impossible to read.
Rating: 2.7/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Army of Politicans
Synopsis: I like the fact that the band wants to keep the DIY spirit alive and hand make their own packaging but the recording is just too bad to look over. The songs are good but considering this thing has a asking price of $5.50 I wouldn't make the buy. I would say use the money they receive to get themselves a better recording but I believe these guys have decided to call it quits. They will be playing their last show August 6th which you can get more information at their myspace: Click Here Too much money.