Plenty of stuff to keep me busy via digital download and a few physical discs (how passé’) to play in the car when I am driving around. A real mix this week for the most part good.
CD reviews
Set Your Goals: This Will be the Death of Us
This is the dreaded pop-punk that makes many a reviewer, even a punk fan, sigh with anticipation. So often it’s a bunch of wet behind the ears types who've heard a few Sex Pistols albums, inspiring them to copy Blink 182 and their ilk. The “safe” end of punk that attracts teenagers trying to be edgy, but not too scary. For those who think the Jonas Brothers are lame.
That is not to say this release is bad or anything that egregious. Its just not exactly anything really special. I understand from many sources that this lot are great live. Doing gigs like Reading and Leeds Live Festivals certainly won’t hurt their profile. They claim to be trying to tap into that Motorhead-esque metal-punk. Can’t hear it to be honest, except maybe a short riff here and there..
Its tight and slick, but not sure it will excite anyone over the age of 16 or someone with no real knowledge of punk. If they were aiming for music that sort of washes over and leaves no impression then they have succeeded. This is the type of stuff that won’t drive you out of pub or club, but that is about it.
Evile: Infected Nation
This lot have a serious old-school Metallica fixation that comes through their tunes like some seeping evil. This is pre-Black album at its finest. Part of the new wave of traditional thrash, these guys take their thrash seriously. Its quite infectious stuff that does put a smile on even the most cynical older thrash fan. Straight ahead old school thrash, the type that was peddled by the big four (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer) and their imitators to such success.
While the playing is crisp and precise, this is not really of the Testament variety of uber-clever thrash. Its catchy raucous sing along thrash metal. Its so good because it doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. Its such a relief to have a band not trying to do something too clever before they are ready. Just check out the title track if you don’t believe me. It’s a great album and one that will probably be on quite a few best of the year lists come late this year.
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