This lot of Americans would go down a storm in the current climate in the UK and probably Australia. These Kentuckians really have got things together. Fuzzed up fun is nothing to complain about now is it?
Straight Line Stich: When Skies Wash Ashore
Imagine if Kelly Clarkson could do screamo vocals as well as her normal voice. Well this is pretty much what you get on here with tracks like "Promise Me". It works, sort of, most of the time. They are to be commended for finding a female vocalist with such range. It makes for quite an interesting listen. Certainly modern and definitely intriguing, I'm just not sure if it truly works that well. Full marks for the attempt though.
War Tapes: War Tapes
Clearly this lot have a fixation with 80s goth like Echo & the Bunnymen and others of their ilk. You can just see miserable wobbling around on the dance-floor clutching their ciders to their chest and being introspective. Yes, that is a compliment. This is rather derivative, but in a good way. Catchy songs with all the right markers in them; this is sure to be a huge hit on the goth dance-floors worldwide. "Dreaming of You" is the type of track goth mate to... catchy, dreamy, and romantic.
It works better when you are drunk, but there is nothing wrong with that either. Stuff the pseudo-dance-goth being peddled these days and go for some of the real thing.
DVD reviews
Zebra: The DVD
Not exactly the most original name for a DVD, it has to be said. This is a celebration of the band that is Zebra, with nostalgic tributes and documentary sprinkled between their most famous tracks. Released to celebrate 30 years of the band, it features the original members playing live and commenting. It's rather too bad they did not include a CD of just the tunes, as there does not seem to be a way to just play the music without the comments (other than picking things individually).
The oft-repeated mantra is that the band were "better than Zeppelin" which strikes one as plainly daft in the light of day. Randy Jackson's Mickey Mouse-falsetto does get tiring at times. The musicianship on here is quite high, one has to admit. This lot are a good band but not to the level of legends. Still, after all these years, I don’t get what the huge fuss was about. This DVD package is rather basic to be honest. One for the Zebra fans only methinks.
Article comments
1 - BD
Concerning Arnel being a dead ringer for STEVE PERRY. Try listening and watching a live performance by both and you will see that he is not a dead ringer. Having seen Steve Perry years ago and having seen the "NEW Journey" this past weekend, Arnel can't begin to match the way Steve sings with his body and soul. Arnel was a great showman trying to please everyone. He has his English down much better and their performance made for an enjoyable evening. But there will never be a better front-man for Journey than STEVE PERRY. Who cares if he doesn't run around the stage or possibly can't hold the notes as high or long. Hopefully he will be putting out some new music soon for us to enjoy.
2 - Metalloid
"a DVD of a live show at the House of Blues"
To the author, for your information since you did not watched the credits part of the DVD. That live DVD was taken last March 08 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas!
3 - matilda swanson
I agree that Arnel is not a dead ringer for Steve Perry for he has his own style. He may sound a bit like Perry and most of time better (since Perry cannot hit the high notes anymore). Arnel has showmanship, powererful pipes and he is so charismatic. He is humble in hiw way and accepts all criticism with a smile.
4 - matilda swanson
BD, you are still living in the past. You should open your ears and mind and admit that Arnel is much better than your Steve. Why can't you adapt to change?