|
Music Review |
Bad
Astronaut
Acrophobic
Picture
an astronaut, not a good one, a bad one. Kind of like Buzz Lightyear with
a pencil thin mustache, an eye patch and a beret and/or top hat. Now, if
you have ever heard the punk band Lagwagon, picture them on crack, and you
are starting to understand what Bad Astronaut is all about.
Bad Astronaut is a unique band.
I don’t quite know if I can fit into any one musical category.
Mark, the singer to Lagwagon also sings in Bad Astronaut, so they
remind me somewhat of Lagwagon, but are different musically, and the
keyboard adds something that Lagwagon does not have. I would say that the
keyboard is the defining factor in this band. It stands out just as much
as it needs to, no more, no less. It usually just makes the music sound
deeply layered. To my great enjoyment, there are great moments when there
are keyboard parts that could be described as solos. These parts are well
played, creatively written and are often the highlight of the songs they
are in.
Now, the keyboards are not the
only great part of this band. The guitar is brilliant, not only on any
given part, but the few solos as well.
The beat and tempo often speeds up and slows down. It is almost
like a roller coaster ride, except for the fact that overweight women and
people with potential aneurisms can listen without risk of serious injury.
My favorite part of this band is probably the change of pace, in which the
keyboard often plays a key role. Mark of Lagwagons vocals are basically
the same as in Lagwagon, but more mellow at times.
Overall this album is better
than any Lagwagon release. It is more original, more creative and much,
much more exciting. If you like long walks on the beach, romantic sunsets,
pink lace nightgowns, and
intimate conversations that last deep into the night, give me a call. If
you like Lagwagon, but are looking for something different and more
innovative, check out Bad Astronaut.
XBLOODBATHX-
“this is a war, these are our weapons”
xBloodbathx is
here. You can lock your doors, but it won’t do much good. You can
get a security system and a 500 pound guard tiger, but it will not stop
them. There is nothing you can do, you can only beg for mercy. This is the absolute toughest band of all time. Hailing from
Death Valley, xbloodbathx is exploding into the straight edge hardcore
scene.
xBloodbathx is a straight edge
hardcore/metal band that puts being tough higher on their priority list
than putting on a good show or even making quality music. Their music is
great, though. xBloodbathx’s
new CD/ 10” record “this is a war, these are our weapons is brutally
great. This 5 song EP on mass murder records will definitely bring this
band oodles and oodles of attention from people everywhere. First of all,
the music is incredible. The guitars are heavily distorted and are as
heavy as a chevy. The sheer power of the guitars will knock your socks
off. The drumming is amazing, Doug Musano, formerly of Crib Death is one
of the best drummers I have ever heard. The speed of the double bass
drumming in this band is absolutely mind-boggling and the use of symbols
during heavy breakdowns makes them sound about 3 times heavier. Now the
singing… wow. This band has not one, not two, but three singers, two of
them bellowing out deep growls and the other a high screech.
The second reason this band will
attract mass amounts of attention is their controversial lyrics. The first
song on the new album is about how Christianity and religion should not
have any place in hardcore music. The line “I don’t mosh in your
church, so don’t pray in my pit” is bound to turn heads, and rumor has
it that the band once brought a life size Jesus doll onto the stage at the
Cage and crucified it on a 6 foot tall cross. Another song entitled
“I’ll kill you before you make it to rehab” proclaims “ It’s
rightfully ours were taking it back, with firebombs, and baseball bats.”
Senior David Tiano recalls “ I saw them at this place by a Rite
Aid in Lancaster and it was the craziest thing I have ever seen. The
singers were purposely butting the microphone into kids faces and once the
drummer even stopped playing to go kick a kid in the face who he claims he
saw ‘mocking’ one of the singers. I feared for my life”
Everybody needs to watch their backs and run if they ever hear xbloodbathx is coming to town. Watch out, xbloodbathx is on the rise
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