On the upside, the actual music was not bad. CFM claims The Ramones as just one of their influences and it really shows. The band works extremely well together. Listening to them I got the impression I was back in the 80's minus the bad hair days and atrocious fashion statements. Of course, there are also noticeable hints of Brit Rock and the happiness of a Ska band thrown in for good measure.
Candygram for Mongo's songs kept my interest for the most part. Out of 11 songs on The Red Pill I can say there were only two I did not want to listen to a second time. "Moon" and "Girlfriend" were my least favorite songs on the entire CD. However, songs such as "The Kids Have All Gone Crazy", "Bleed for It", and "Happy" were excellent. The track entitled "Porkchop", about a guy determining what to order in a diner, was my favorite of the 11 tunes.
Overall, the entire CD was decent. While the quality of the recording was not CD quality, and that would detract from my being completely satisfied if I were to purchase this album, I do plan to keep up-to-date on their future.
If the band keeps going down the path they are, records their next album in a professional studio, and tries to sing more upbeat, fast paced songs (as opposed to the out of place ballads) I think Candygram for Mongo will have a nice future. They are unique and fun, which is rare in an industry of carbon copy, 'thinspiring' wannabe performers.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
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