
JAW:
- Jaw (2003, EP) 5 song EP.
First off, music wise, this is basically hardcore with some cleaner
vocals every once in awhile (but more on the vocals later). Production
wise, this is fine stuff, a very strong guitar tone with good scooped
sound, only ever so slightly muffled, everything else is clear. Song
wise, the faster parts remind me of the groove that someone like Coal
Chamber puts down, then some more melodic parts to keep it varied
(Skinlab would be a good comparison here). The band certain can write a
decent riff and write a good catchy song. Really my only critique lies
with the vocals, the hardcore screamed stuff is very, very good, but
all too often there are these sung vocals which I just can't get into.
They're sorta whiny, offkey and unintelligable and I don't feel they
add much to the atmosphere of the songs. Otherwise, good stuff, fans of
Skinlab and the like would do well to take a peak.
JOB FOR A COWBOY:
- Doom (2005, EP) Job For A Cowboy may
have a metal-core name, but the band's music has almost more in common
with death metal. The songs are very chaotic, jumping from fast
blasting to slower groovy parts to super slow chunky bits. Vocals are
all over the map, from screams to midrange growls to super low gargles
stuff (and a few eviscerated pig noises). And plenty of excellent
drumming and strong riffing from the guitars. If you remember the band
Scar Culture, this group is quite similar in a lot of ways (with just a
tad of The Black Dahlia Murders added in). My only real complaint is
that they should work a bit more on song structure, after a few
listens, none of the songs stand out as being specifically memorable.
This music is very vicious, well produced and angry, but they may want
to temper the craziness with just a tad more coherency, so each song
can have something to make it distinct. Otherwise, they do a great job.
- Genesis
(2007) First major label release for the band. This surprisingly short
album (about 30min) builds on the style off their EP, but brings that
coherency that I felt was missing. The songs on this album are far more
distinct. And the flow of the album is vastly improved thanks to two
atmospheric interlude songs that serve as audio landmarks, as well as
provide some much needed variety. Short, sweet and to the point, this
brutal sounding album is full of super speed, complex and crazy
drumming, technical guitar work and some seriously pissed off vocals. A
really excellent album, even if it's over way too fast, but leave the
audience wanting more, right?
JUST CAUSE:
- Finger It Out (2001) If you
remember
the band Subversion from the HDR compilation "Grrrr", this stuff sorta
has the same vibe. Angry thrash with Devin Townsend producing, big
sound
with extra reverb. Gene is also on drums, and Patrick Beaudoin on
guitars,
bass and vocals. Vocalwise, low to mid range growling with again, tons
of reverb. Plenty of chunky riffs to mosh to in this one, if you like
something
heavy and fast, check it out.