Disc Reviews
by Max Ink Staff Writers
Ha Ha Tonka - Death of a Decade
Ha Ha Tonka
Album Title: Death of a Decade
By Sal Serio
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Bloodshot Records
(1698) Page Views
If there’s one thing I can say about Ha Ha Tonka, it’s that I sure hope they don’t pay rent! ‘Cause those guys are on the road CONSTANTLY. You know what they say, practice makes perfect… and there’s no better practice than touring. I’m surprised their new CD isn’t called “Road Kill”.
Admittedly, I was a little worried when I DID see the title and cover of the new CD, which gave me a feeling that they were following the thematic, almost ‘concept album’ structure of 2009’s “Novel Sounds Of The Nouveau South”. Which isn’t to say that last offering was sub-par, but I’m a rocker, dig? I need the rock. And the double-H Tonka guys are back with some pedal to the metal.
Not that this is a record to mosh to (but you know there will be that one idiot at EVERY show), but it’s a driving, pulsating, emotion-churning, and inspirational set of songs. Brett Anderson wins the victory shot this time around for exceptional lead guitar and mandolin. “Death Of A Decade”, eh? I wonder which decade - future, present, or past? I’ll have to ask those duders the next time through town. Of course I won’t be waiting long!
Ha Ha Tonka Online
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Atomkraft - Cold Sweat
Atomkraft
Album Title: Cold Sweat
By Aaron Manogue
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Sanctuary Records
(1551) Page Views
The thrash metal EP Cold Sweat by Atomkraft is filled with shredding guitar work and dark lyrics. If you’re a fan of hellacious solos and extremely impressive guitar work, this is the EP for you. If you’re a thrash metal fan, the song “Dead Again” will be your favorite by far. It’s a one minute and thirty-nine second concussion of lightning fast guitar guided by the furious beats of the drummer, accompanied by the bellowed growls of the vocalist. One thing I really like about it is that unlike other thrash metal vocals, is that you can understand them! This doesn’t mean they are weak by any means, because the vocalist still kicks your ass. If this song doesn’t make you want to kick some ass in a mosh pit, check your pulse.
There is a dark and ominous feeling in the song “The Darkening” when from behind the screaming guitars and bellowing drums comes excerpts from some jerk from Germany spewing a speech out; you guessed it, I’m pretty sure that’s Hitler and Goebles regurgitating some blasphemy from the Nuremberg Rally; Triumph of the Will. Obviously I don’t condone anything that lunatic did, but artistically the sound of his voice fits perfectly in the record and sets the scene for the song and rest of the album. It really sets a pitch black feel to the song which fits perfectly for the type of slaying the EP is doing. Soon after, the next song “Gripped” opens with the laughter of a small female child and smooth guitar work is quickly accompanied by monstrous electric work. This song is my favorite on the album by far because of its arrangement and the way it builds upon itself as it moves on. The main riff of the song is simple but one of those riffs that you’ll be humming to yourself and trying to replicate on your own guitar for a few days after you hear it.
Overall, the six track EP is exactly what I’d expect from this type of metal, except add a ton of talent. Most thrash metal bands beat the shit out of their instruments like they’re beating up some buster that stole their lunch money. Not Atomkraft. These guys are talented musicians who happen to play faster and harder than most talented musicians do. Check it out and give it a try, because at first I wasn’t sure either. But after listening I’m glad I did, because I have a newfound appreciation for the genre, and tons of respect for Atomkraft.
Atomkraft Online
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Real Knives - Real Knives
Real Knives
Album Title: Real Knives
By Sal Serio
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Real Knives
(5179) Page Views
Remember those friends you had in high school, the ones your parents would always hassle you for hanging around with? Those guys that were so rad to hang and get your kicks with, but inevitably always got your ass into some kind of predicament? Real Knives are like if those guys actually got motivated and organized enough to start a rock band. I’m not sure why. But this band is trouble. I can just tell.
And just like in high school, dammit, I’m still drawn in! I love this CD sampler, even if it makes me want to do deviant things. Y’know, stuff that will keep the Sunday Confessional interesting. REAL interesting. REAL knives. Amen.
Yeah, so it’s a 3 song sampler. Yeah these guys are from Madison. Yeah, they rock like the dirty muthas they are. What, ya wanna make something of it ?!?? This is get in the car, go to the club, spend a lot at the bar, and throw beer at the band type rock ‘n roll. Mom and Dad are definitely not allowed.
So… what the hell are you waiting for? The weekend? The party starts NOW! Put the Real Knives on the stereo and let’s get some booze already. Nope, louder. Louder! Yes! Let’s go do some crimes!
Real Knives Online
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CANT - Dreams Come True
CANT
Album Title: Dreams Come True
By John Noyd
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Terrible Records
(2085) Page Views
As the producer for recent ventures from The Dirty Projectors and The Morning Benders and as producer, bass-player and back-up singer for Grizzly Bear, Chris Taylor has often found himself behind the scenes. While, “Dreams,” is Chris’ solo debut he continues to hide, camouflaged beneath steamy sheets of synthetic chords, lost and searching through soulfully programmed catacombs. Collaborating with Twin Shadow’s George Lewis Jr., the self-avowed Joy Division fan constructs unfinished labyrinths of pong-conjugated mayhem; rave techno-jungle nesting dolls where fidgety funk sits inside maverick contraptions inside fat gooey grooves laid over lovelorn lyrics. Frail acoustics softened by foggy voices occasionally overtake Taylor’s manufactured packages, relieving the seizures as weird gears fit into slippery mysteries, dark flanged glamour creeping in hiss, spit, stretch and sparkle.
My Fair Share - Encounter
My Fair Share
Album Title: Encounter
By Sal Serio
Posted: Aug 2011
Label: Blood Union Records
(1487) Page Views
One of Madison’s newest purveyors of metal mayhem, My Fair Share is a juggernaut of head banging fury. Hans Koyen summons his ominous vocal-bark from somewhere dank, deep, and dark within him. Fortuitously, there’s some fun and sarcasm sprinkled throughout this 5-song mini-album, so the listener doesn’t get overwhelmed by a brooding cloud of doom. Glimpses of life in the pit, on the stage, and at the bar are all represented in the throbbing, campy, rocker “The Show”.
Finale “Society’s Punishment” adds legitimacy to it’s solid street cred (initially included on MFS’s debut demo), which is more than appropriate. This song has enough accessibility and potential that it should definitely be pushed as a single. Bass player Erik Wykd’s lyrics are intense but insightful, and helping the radio cause is the fact that all of MFS’s recorded lyrical content is profanity-free.
As lead guitarist and primary musical composer, Sawyer Hildebrandt shines throughout the “Encounter” CD. Sawyer consistently lays down brick-load heavy riffage, and his leads are both tasty and tasteful, helping to define a young hungry talent that is quickly becoming known in the local/regional metal market. Indeed, My Fair Share as a band, as blood brothers, as a concept, is a serious force to be reckoned with. Not to be trifled with, nor tread upon!
My Fair Share Online
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inn Cinema - Inn Cinema
inn Cinema
Album Title: Inn Cinema
By Sal Serio
Posted: Aug 2011
Label: Inn Cinema
(1680) Page Views
Rasheed Thomas’ singing brings a quality to inn Cinema that’s way poppier than most music of the solid-rock arena, almost if Ben Harper got into a metal mood, or if Lenny Kravitz took his harder-edged material to the next black leather boot-heeled step. To his credit, Rasheed is emotive without even a whisper-hint of wussy emo, and rocker tough without being macho testosterones.
There’s an imaginative compositional style present, evident on “Live Your Life”, which takes many twists and turns of tempo and intensity level. The shimmering and spatially expansive guitar work by Dave Lizzio drives and colors these songs with a broad palette and endless variety of strokes.
inn Cinema’s debut CD ends on an especially high note with “Jazz Tune”, which is not totally dissimilar from the rest of the disc, but showcases Adam Woloszyn’s walking bass line and a scat singing coda from Thomas that appears in intervals. History has seen blues, country, and hip hop merge with metal… Perhaps inn Cinema are the trend setters of melodic nu-metal with be-bop jazz? Curiously, the song ends on a harmonic double-lead guitar rave-up in the early Judas Priest/Iron Maiden tradition. File under: Up And Coming Chicago Area Melodic Metal With A Hint Of Jazz, For Fans Of King’s X.
inn Cinema Online
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Funktion - Step Into It
Funktion
Album Title: Step Into It
By Sal Serio
Posted: Jul 2011
Label: Funktion
(1663) Page Views
Ooohhhh yeaahhh, I feel the disco inferno welling up inside of me. The Funktion is giving me some serious happy feet, that’s for sure. These horn-happy R&B groove merchants from Kalamazoo will fill your dance floor prescription, and then some!
Pick up this CD, open it up, and then “Step Into It”! Player attire not required, but recommended. If you’ve got a jones for the heyday of Prince, Kool & The Gang, and newbie-funk like Kings Go Forth, then this music will cure all your ills.
“Step Into It” is Funktion’s second release. Lead singer Andrew Schrock lays down the silky, seductive, crooning, not unlike a white Smoove-B fronting a hyped-up Earth, Wind, & Fire. The rest of the band admirably keeps up with the humping groove in a trumpet-sax-keyboard-guitar-bass-percussion aphrodisiac stew.
But don’t take MY word for it! Strap on those dancing slippers and come out to groove with Funktion in your own bad way! Thursday, August 25th at Martyr’s in Chicago is followed by two Wisconsin dates with Steez. Friday, August 26th at the Union Terrace in Madison, and Saturday, August 27th at Milwaukee’s Fire On Water. See you homies there!
Funktion Online
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No Response - Even More Noise Pollution From Green Bay
No Response
Album Title: Even More Noise Pollution From Green Bay
By Sal Serio
Posted: Jul 2011
Label:
(6094) Page Views
In late 2008, a punk rock reunion show occurred at the Eagles Club in Green Bay, featuring many of the bands that used to play Titletown in the early to mid 1980’s. The new No Response CD is a direct result of that reunion show.
No Response was a Green Bay based hardcore band characterized by the twin saw blade guitar attack of cousins Steve and Jeff Fay, the tight drumming of Queeve Olejniczak, and throat shredding anguished vocal of Jim Runge. There was no bass player, which seemed to sharpen their edge even more. They had one cassette, which consisted of songs recorded live in practice, and it was a little rough, to say the least. Rough, but tough, really just plain brutal.
The latest CD was recorded in Minneapolis by Tommy Tousey at Silver Ant Studio. It clocks in at eleven minutes long for a total of seven songs! Remember hardcore? These guys do! Replacing Runge is Moral Disgust’s Jeff DeGoey singing, and also featured is Pat Wanish from Depo Provera on bass.
Even with a bass guitar in the mix, the general sound is still ruthlessly sharp and tinny like crisp old school HC always sounded. DeGoey interprets these songs of anger, alienation, and the struggle to be accepted as a non-conformist with plenty of style and verve. I noticed that the seven songs were all on the original demo tape, but that’s another reason to pick this up. It’s textbook example of cathartic release through music, plus you’ll get a super sonic upgrade of some cool punk rock you’ve possibly had in your collection for years. Recommended for old punks and new thrashers alike!
No Response Online
Joe Matera - Face Off
Joe Matera
Album Title: Face Off
By Aaron Manogue
Posted: May 2011
Label: Mercury Rise Records
(3552) Page Views
Former Geisha guitarist Joe Matera recently released his solo single “Face Off,” which is an instrumental, all electric band concoction of plain simple fun. The guitar work that starts from the very beginning is the heart and soul of the song, carrying an uplifting and strong rhythm throughout the entire song. The winding solos and melodic background seem to paint a portrait of a story that picks up the pace and glides down the finely tuned riffs in a moment’s notice, reminding listeners of the days of classic rock. Rick Brewster of The Angels even made a special guest appearance on one of the track’s solos. Matera’s guitar talents are clean, crisp, and original, and make you wish the song wouldn’t end. But when it does, you just hit replay.
“Face Off” is out through Mercury Fire Music and available for purchase on iTunes. The track will also appear on Matera’s upcoming EP CD due later this year.
Joe Matera Online
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John Herdt & Wally Z - October Sky
John Herdt & Wally Z
Album Title: October Sky
By Sal Serio
Posted: May 2011
Label: Rampant Squid
(6071) Page Views
I’m not sure if anyone thinks being a music critic is easy, but there are times when it’s really hard to review an album. October Sky, the latest release by John Herdt and Wally Z, has me dealing with one of those heartburn moments. I truly enjoy the music, but the album is without obvious genre definition. So, this instrumental masterpiece transcends most mainstream avenues of review.
Starting at the beginning, which is the composition titled Busted, the first thing that grabbed me is John Herdt’s bass playing on this cut. A guitarist by trade, Herdt has made Herculean leaps and bounds with his melodic bass lines on this latest recording. Also of note is keyboardist Tommy Stephenson, who makes an appearance on this opening track, adding an acid-jazzy vibe to the more straight ahead rock of Herdt and drummer Wally Z.
All of the songs and soloing on October Sky have a distinct ebb and flow, which take the listener through exhilarating highs, and softer, more relaxing, lows. Herdt’s overdubbed guitar work creates density and texture to generally toe-tapping motivational mood music. I also noticed an increased use of slide in Herdt’s playing, which is employed to great effect.
Without the distraction of vocals and lyrics, this recording makes for a terrific listening experience for driving, studying, reading, or cleaning the house. And once the housekeeper has finished the chores, this disc would also provide an excellent soundtrack to peeling off the French maid’s outfit and the subsequent “wang dang” of her doodle.
Recommended tracks: “Busted,” “Crying Shame,” and “In For A Penny,” which showcase a complex King Crimson-ish riffing and chord progression. Maybe a film producer will pick up on Herdt and Wally’s stuff to use as a soundtrack someday.
John Herdt & Wally Z Online
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ohGr - Undeveloped
ohGr
Album Title: Undeveloped
By Kimberly E. McDaniel
Posted: Apr 2011
Label: Metropolis Records
(7665) Page Views
This new offering from ohGr, comprised of Nivek Ogre of Skinny Puppy and Mark Walk, is not only the product of 16 years of collaboration between the two musicians, but it is also an amazing odyssey through an industrial landscape. Undeveloped features 14 tracks filled with dance beats, weird vocal effects, and the occasional familiar sound in an unfamiliar setting. The album is, of course, very Skinny Puppy-like, but with enough differences as to tell the two apart. It would be impossible to listen to Ogre sing without conjuring images of Skinny Puppy, and in typical fashion, he twists and pounds his voice to fit the various molds of each song.
Ogre says that Undeveloped has a “soft theme of distorted sexuality” running through it, but he touches upon many subjects amid the album’s 14 tracks. “101” is a song designed to fill the dance floor, while asking, “Who do I have to fuck?” “Crash” was apparently written in reaction to the death of Michael Jackson and our country’s raging health care debate. Ogre claims that the rise and fall of Jackson is sort of an allegory of what lies in store for us “during this massive economic and social shift.”
Other standout tracks include “Typer,” which features haunting musical notes over the familiar clickety-clack of a typewriter while Ogre repeats “Stick to the mainstream.” Whether this is an urging or admonishment is for the listener to decode. “Screw Me” is another danceable number, with the lament, “Life is not what you expect.” “Collidoskope” invites you in with, “Welcome to the collidoskope, everything that fueled the hope has died.”
Essentially, if you are a fan of ohGr or Skinny Puppy, there is no reason you wouldn’t love unDeveloped. If you have never heard either band, then this would be the perfect introduction to the strange and wonderful world of industrial music. As Ogre says, “Now Undeveloped belongs to all those who will listen, interpret, embrace or denigrate.”
Rorry Gallagher - Ghost Blues/Beat Club Sessions 2-dvd/cd
Rorry Gallagher
Album Title: Ghost Blues/Beat Club Sessions 2-dvd/cd
By Gregory Harutunian
Posted: Apr 2011
Label: eagle rock entertainment
(3967) Page Views
A friend once described Rory Gallagher’s music to me by stating “He only plays nine chords, but he knows how to stretch them ninety different ways.” But, the beloved Irish guitarist was more than that description. He was a student of different genres, from acoustic and electric blues to straight-ahead rock. His passing in 1995, due to complications from MRSA following a liver transplant, still leaves a void.
Gallagher enjoyed performing in front of an audience, and his infectious demeanor and sheer joy of playing always made an audience smile and enjoy what was being put down. Eagle Rock Entertainment (www.eaglerockent.com) has been working with Gallagher’s estate for a number of years, and they put out some fine products such as the 2-DVD Live at Montreux and 5-DVD Live at Rockpalast.
The latest is a 2-DVD/1-CD set, also available in Blu-Ray, of the documentary on Gallagher called Ghost Blues. The second DVD is nearly 90-minutes of unreleased, roof-raising live performances from the German TV show Beat Club. The CD also features performances from Beat Club as a companion to the DVD set.
The documentary is a well-done life retrospective on Gallagher’s career with some talking-head interviews. However, the heart is the man’s music and features some fine performances. The gem in this set is the second disc with the live performances (mostly is early 1970s) of his best tunes including covers of “Laundromat,” “Tore Down,” and “Messin’ with the Kid.” The picture and sound are clean and digitally restored making you want to hear the other live items in the Eagle Rock catalogue.
As a student of the guitar, his acoustic blues performances were stunning displays of having a good ear for detail from the original recordings. His slide work, whether on wooden or electric guitars, had the edgy feel of possibly going off the rails at any point but pulling it all together at the last moment with a big smile on his face. He enjoyed it too, and the live set here demonstrates that in spades.
Rorry Gallagher Online
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