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Date 12/12/2002 12:00 AM | Topic: OpinionWhen Zack de la Rocha left Rage Against the Machine in October 2000, the band's future was uncertain. Soon after the breakup, rumors circulated that ex-Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell would be stepping in to fill the void. By spring 2002, the foursome signed on for Ozzfest, but before the summer tour got underway, Cornell quit the new project. He claimed it wasn't moving forward in the direction he'd hoped for. The breakdown didn't last for long; Cornell joined the band again earlier this fall.
This self-titled debut combines the signature styles of all the guilty parties responsible for the album. Cornell's throat-shredding screams set up Tom Morello's signature funk/metal guitar riffs along with the menacing rhythms of bass player Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk. The album is chock-full of post-grunge funkcore rock that meets all expectations of Rage and Soundgarden fans. The only question remaining is with new releases from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins and now this Soundgarden/Rage Against the Machine combo, are the early 90's already back in style?
Junction 18 - Heroes From the Future EP (Fearless Records)If you like Weezer, Saves The Day or just good rock music, give this album a listen. Junction 18 began in Boston in 1996 and performed throughout the Northeast and New England area. Energetic live shows and impressive musicianship landed Junction 18 a spot on the Vans Warped Tour where they shared the stage with New Found Glory. The band's debut release entitled "This Vicious Cycle" received superb reviews for its complex melodies, heartfelt lyrics and incredible vocal harmonies. Heroes From the Future EP features the melodic five-piece band playing their good-natured style of punk-pop hard and heavy. Catchy melodies and infectious guitar riffs will have you air guitaring to this album in no time at all. Heroes From the Future is currently being mixed by Cameron Webb, who has also worked with the likes of Lit, Danzig and Tenacious D.
Knockout - Searching for Solid Ground (Fearless Records)This tight and powerful four-piece band was brought into being in December of 1999 in Lake Forrest, a suburb of Chicago. Like many other bands from the area, they were deeply affected by the aspects of their midwestern suburban lifestyles. Heavily influenced by the despondency of their teen years as well as music from bands like Blink 182, Saves the Day and Humble Beginnings. The young suburbanites have worked together to forge a sound of their own. Their sound is finely tuned, tight catchy punk rock that is certainly not an original sound, but good nonetheless. Don't expect to see these guys explode onto the music scene anytime soon, but if you get a chance to see them in concert or buy a cheap CD, by all means do it. You won't be disappointed.
Owen - No Good For No One Now (Polyvinyl Records)[/b]
No Good for No One Now is a seven-song full-length album filled with weepy acoustics and heart wrenching melodies dedicated to his feelings of worthlessness and frustration about a lost relation. Mike Kinsella, the single man behind Owen, focuses his songs around the acoustic guitar and voice then adds light percussion and bass to fill out the sound. Kinsella's voice sounds ready to break down into tears at any moment. Somehow, though, he keeps it together for the duration of the album, struggling through his own pains that allow the listener to relate to the therapeutic abilities of his music. Owen has done the Luther community a favor in creating an album that encompasses a sound cherished by many students here. Do yourself a favor and look up Owen on your favorite file-sharing program.
Phish - Round Room (Elektra)After a two-year hiatus, jam-band kings Phish were busy rehearsing for their upcoming New Year's Eve show in New York when it quickly evolved into an all-out recording session. The product of which will become their first studio album since 2000's release Farmhouse. The new disc Round Room, which only took four days to record, has been in stores since Dec. 10. I've had a chance to listen to an advanced copy of the album, and Phish fans will not be disappointed. With tracks like "Walls of the Cave" clocking in at just a couple seconds under ten minutes, the band is still showcasing their trademark improvisational style. The band will be promoting their new album this weekend (December 14) when they appear on Saturday Night Live and again on David Letterman Dec. 19.
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Sam Peterson
Chips Artist-Guru Type
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