Instant Camera – Alive On Departure (c) 2004 Wall To Wall RecordsInstant camera is another surprise from the south. Hailing from the cultural center of Louisville, KY, "Alive On Departure" is a swirling cosmic blend of New Wave Pop and LoFi Noise Rock. I will liken it to a blend of Voivod, eraly Floyd and Art of Noise. Instant Camera has an interesting sound that defies categorization. Just when the songs start to lock into a defineable sound, they shift gears and head off in a new direction. 10 short tracks at just over 30 minutes total. "Alive On Departure" try it on for size. I think it'll fit.www.theinstantcamera.comJerry Actually
Month: December 2005
The Slackers – Peculiar
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© 2006 Hellcat Records
[rating:4/5]
It seems like quite a long time ago when I was shipped my first Slackers CD to review. It in fact was almost 8 years ago. I’m happy to report that I’ve got the new Slackers CD in my hot little hands. (It is actually in my CD player, as I felt it a more appropriate place.) I’ll be updating this review as I have the time, but for the moment, let’s just say the CD has some power.
With style grace and persistence, The Slackers are the heart soul and backbone of the New York ska scene. Peculiar is an exceptional release of the genre. To capture the intensity of their live shows, the band went to the legendary Ernesto's in Holland to cut the core of the tracks in front of a packed live audience. After recording all the new "live" tracks the band went back to the studio and stripped the rhythm tracks and performed vocals and horns and added guest assistance by contemporaries like Alex Desert of Hepcat and Jeff "King Django" Baker.
I commend the Slackers for their innovative approach to the new album. The combination of live energy and studio polish brings a whole new level to the life of the record. Adding to the intensity of "Peculiar" is the socially and politically aware vibe, much akin to the voice of dissent found in the reggae of the 70's.
Songs like Propaganda and International War Criminal decry current political scandal and portray the discomfort and discontent with the current management if you will. "Peculiar" is a brilliant blend of ska reggae and rocksteady raising a voice of concern to the current state of affairs.
Don't let me misguide you though; the album isn't entirely political so much that is an assessment of life, a bit of a State of Life Address. "Peculiar" brings hope for the true ska fans and fans of great music everywhere that not all hope is lost.
http://www.hell-cat.com
http://www.theslackers.com
–Jerry Actually
The Phlegms
The Phlegms – S/T © 2005
Fuck Yeah! I love The Phlegms! Snotty Upbeat Euro-Ramones style good time punk rock. This self-produced CD is really quite a treat. I’m sorry that I haven’t had the chance to review it sooner.
Based out of Bangor, Gwynedd (That is on the other side of the pond for my American audience) The Phlegms came to be in October of 2004 – most bands should be so great to put this kind of raw energy together in such a short amount of time. At any rate, The Phlegms are a 3 piece with influences such as The Clash, The Ramones, NOFX, Dropkick Murphy’s and others.
The songs (as you may know) are how I like ’em, really flippin’ short. Basically The Phlegms offer good fun fast short old school 3 chord punk. With any luck The Phlegms will get some label attention and get a bonified release out to the world and following that, a world tour. (though I’ll settle for a San Diego tour)
Go Get your self some beers and rock the hell out with The Phlegms www.thephlegms.com Free Phlegms Downloads
-Jerry Actually