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.

• 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?

• 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.