'The All-American Rejects' - Oklahoma duo is making themselves heard
Date 10/31/2002 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CultureThough neither of the two band members of The All-American Rejects are old enough to buy an alcoholic drink, it doesn't mean they can't put together a great album. Their self-titled debut is full of big hooks and a pop sound that should get them noticed by even the casual music enthusiast. Aggressive electric and acoustic guitar rhythms are blended over a drum machine and topped off by extremely catchy vocals. The first thirty seconds of the song "Swing, Swing" feature a church organ and electric guitar duet that is sure to win over the hearts of most rock fans. The All-American Rejects are capable songwriters, accomplished vocalists and skilled instrumentalists that are ready to make it big on the music scene.
Bad Astronaut - "Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem" (Honest Don's)
In the time between the release of their debut EP, "Acrophobe", and their first full-length, "Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem," Bad Astronaut went from a three-piece to a seven-piece band. With the new lineup, the Santa Barbara group added layers of synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers to their indie rock to make an album similar to Radiohead's "The Bends." While staying true to their own pop-punk roots, Bad Astronaut stretches and redefines the scope of the genre. The track "Our Greatest Year" features harmonica guru John Popper of Blues Traveler and transforms itself from subtle groove into an all-out space rock jam.
Good Charlotte - "The Young and the Hopeless" (Epic/Daylight)
After being VJs for the late night rock show "All Things Rock" on MTV, Good Charlotte founders Joel and Benji Everly have put together their sophomore album "The Young and the Hopeless." This album comes two years after their self-titled debut, and has all the elements, or lack thereof, needed to claw its way onto the top 40 charts. The only thing that distinguishes Good Charlotte from other commercial pseudo-punk rock bands like Sum 41 and Blink 182, is their hard-edged look. The band does occasionally stray away from the top 40 formula and show some musical creativity on tracks like "Say Anything" and "Emotionless." The two tracks slow things down a bit and are accompanied by a gorgeous mix of acoustic guitar, piano and a string ensemble. This band seems to have all the gimmicky elements needed for commercial success: identical twin brothers as front men, an already established name on MTV and an entire album of catchy get-in-your-head types of songs. Expect to hear even more of Good Charlotte in the near future.
The Reunion Show - "Kill Your Television" (Victory Records)
After forming in early 2000, The Reunion Show began a heavy touring schedule and quickly made a name for themselves in the indie (independent) rock scene. Soon after their conception, they had sold 5000 records and were on their way to producing their first full-length album. That album, "Kill Your Television" has just been released and is an outstanding mixture of pop, emo, punk and early new wave. It blends itself into a catchy all-out rock sound that has the ability to stick in your head for hours. This debut album's style has been likened to The Cars, Elvis Costello, Weezer and The Foo Fighters. The band's usage of a vintage Moog organ to create sounds that are easily mistakable for a synthesizer gives the band a unique electronic twist. With the organ's help, along with pounding guitar hooks and dual vocals, The Reunion Show's future look awfully bright.
Waxwing - "Nobody Can Take What Everybody Owns" (Second-Nature Recordings)
Seattle's Waxwing has successfully combined numerous influences into a distinctive sound, blending elements of punk, folk, rock and Southwestern music. "Nobody Can Take What Everybody Owns" is the band's third release and is a stellar example of what an emo (emotional) album should be. The lyrical content covers subject matter from communication lapses in relationships to the band's general distaste for commercial conformity. The vocals on this album are impressionistic of Christopher Carraba from Dashboard Confessional and Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World. This album ranges from slow and reflective tracks to punk-fueled rocks songs with a harder edge.
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Sam Drong
Circulation Manager
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