THE POISON IVVY | "OUT FOR A KILL"
CD | Crazy Love Records
Reviewed: May 12th, 2008
The Poison Ivvy, from Switzerland, started playing almost 20 years ago. I guess the idea with this band is to play rock'n'roll a la Backyard Babies or The Bones. Anyway, The Poison Ivvy sounds awful. Pretty much everything about this record is garbage. The songs are all terrible and the singer can't sing, at all... There are way too many songs on this record and I can't even bare myself to give all 16 a good listen. "Out For A Kill" is probably one of the most non-saying records I've heard in a long time. There's nothing special about it at all, it's just plain boring. I always try to find something good with each record I listen to but in this case I can't.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | Crazy Love Records
Reviewed: May 12th, 2008
The Poison Ivvy, from Switzerland, started playing almost 20 years ago. I guess the idea with this band is to play rock'n'roll a la Backyard Babies or The Bones. Anyway, The Poison Ivvy sounds awful. Pretty much everything about this record is garbage. The songs are all terrible and the singer can't sing, at all... There are way too many songs on this record and I can't even bare myself to give all 16 a good listen. "Out For A Kill" is probably one of the most non-saying records I've heard in a long time. There's nothing special about it at all, it's just plain boring. I always try to find something good with each record I listen to but in this case I can't.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
INCOMMUNICADO | "LOSING DAYLIGHT"
CD | A-F Records
Reviewed: May 12th, 2008
Incommunicado's new record presents a wide range of different influences and a taste for experimental songwriting. The Pittsburgh, PA five piece is probably best described as a screamy hybrid of hardcore and indie (if that makes any sense). Anyway, I like it, especially the more straight parts. I do like the experimental pieces but when these songs break into their more straight hardcore choruses this band truly blossoms. It's what this band does best. Some of these choruses are brilliant. I really like the band's vocalist who reminds me of Eric Ozenne at times. He's got that same crazy screaming. I also hear some small portions of Refused on here which is very nice. "Losing Daylight" is not the best record I've heard but I think it's ok.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | A-F Records
Reviewed: May 12th, 2008
Incommunicado's new record presents a wide range of different influences and a taste for experimental songwriting. The Pittsburgh, PA five piece is probably best described as a screamy hybrid of hardcore and indie (if that makes any sense). Anyway, I like it, especially the more straight parts. I do like the experimental pieces but when these songs break into their more straight hardcore choruses this band truly blossoms. It's what this band does best. Some of these choruses are brilliant. I really like the band's vocalist who reminds me of Eric Ozenne at times. He's got that same crazy screaming. I also hear some small portions of Refused on here which is very nice. "Losing Daylight" is not the best record I've heard but I think it's ok.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
SET FOOT | "AGING"
7" | Copper Lung Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
Set Foot's "Aging", the latest release from Copper Lung Records is yet another record that shows that this label is more about the raw energy rather than techniqe and mellow melodies. This band from Vancover, Canada has been around for about two years and this six-song 7" is packed with rough old-school hardcore in the vein of Integrity. The lyrics are pretty dark which fits the sound just perfectly. This might not be the feel-good record of the year but it's still awesome. Look it up if you like the rough stuff.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
7" | Copper Lung Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
Set Foot's "Aging", the latest release from Copper Lung Records is yet another record that shows that this label is more about the raw energy rather than techniqe and mellow melodies. This band from Vancover, Canada has been around for about two years and this six-song 7" is packed with rough old-school hardcore in the vein of Integrity. The lyrics are pretty dark which fits the sound just perfectly. This might not be the feel-good record of the year but it's still awesome. Look it up if you like the rough stuff.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
RADIO WAR | "THE RISING OF THE TALENTLESS"
7" | Copper Lung Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
Radio War's debut 7" is pretty much like a kick in your guts. Furious stright forward hard-core-trash a la From Ashes Rise but from Richmond, VA. The 7" starts off with "The Boy Gangs of Richmond", a pretty slow, but really good, song and then it all breaks out in total fury on the three remaining cuts. I like every minute of it, especially the faster tunes. "They Live", a big "fuck you" to the world of consuming is the high-point on this record according to me. Radio War mean business and I really hope I'll get to hear some more stuff from this band soon.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
7" | Copper Lung Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
Radio War's debut 7" is pretty much like a kick in your guts. Furious stright forward hard-core-trash a la From Ashes Rise but from Richmond, VA. The 7" starts off with "The Boy Gangs of Richmond", a pretty slow, but really good, song and then it all breaks out in total fury on the three remaining cuts. I like every minute of it, especially the faster tunes. "They Live", a big "fuck you" to the world of consuming is the high-point on this record according to me. Radio War mean business and I really hope I'll get to hear some more stuff from this band soon.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
NO TURNING BACK | "STRONGER"
CD | Reflections Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
"Stronger" is a 14 track discharge of straight on hard core from The Netherlands. No Turning Back is a brand new band to me but the fact is that they've been around for more than 10 years now. In 2007 the band played an astonishing 220(!) shows! Not bad for one year! Obviously, these are some hard-working dudes which is also proven on their new record. All 14 songs on "Stronger" are well-worth listening to over and over again. I'm really impressed by how well-written this record is. In my opinion a lot of hardcore bands are having some troubles with creating a 100% record, maybe since it's more of a live-show based style of music, maybe not. Anyway, No Turnin Back's record is great from start to finish. Great singer, great songs, good lyrics and furious energy. What else can you ask for in this genre? I like it a lot. My favorite moment is the title-track which brings my favorite hard core band, Paint It Black, to mind. This is great! Go Holland!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | Reflections Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
"Stronger" is a 14 track discharge of straight on hard core from The Netherlands. No Turning Back is a brand new band to me but the fact is that they've been around for more than 10 years now. In 2007 the band played an astonishing 220(!) shows! Not bad for one year! Obviously, these are some hard-working dudes which is also proven on their new record. All 14 songs on "Stronger" are well-worth listening to over and over again. I'm really impressed by how well-written this record is. In my opinion a lot of hardcore bands are having some troubles with creating a 100% record, maybe since it's more of a live-show based style of music, maybe not. Anyway, No Turnin Back's record is great from start to finish. Great singer, great songs, good lyrics and furious energy. What else can you ask for in this genre? I like it a lot. My favorite moment is the title-track which brings my favorite hard core band, Paint It Black, to mind. This is great! Go Holland!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
BAD REACTION | "HAD IT COMING"
CD | Reflections Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
If you like the good 'ol 80's hard core punk then Bad Reaction's "Had it Coming" might certainly be something for you. The CD combines this Los Angeles outfit's two 7"s "The Plastic World" and "Dare To Be Dull" including a cover of Bad Brains' "Pay To Cum". Inspired by the 80's scene with the likes of Bad Brains, Adolescents & The Zero Boys, the boys in Bad Reaction bring together their different influences from back in the day and add their own touch to it. The result is one the best and one of the most fierce old school hard core installments I've heard in a while. The smart, yet sometimes very humoristc, lyrics are also great. I can't believe I've missed this band up until now. Shame on me... "Had it Coming" is 15 minutes and 20 seconds of awesome stuff that you really need to look up. Do it!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | Reflections Records
Reviewed: May 9th, 2008
If you like the good 'ol 80's hard core punk then Bad Reaction's "Had it Coming" might certainly be something for you. The CD combines this Los Angeles outfit's two 7"s "The Plastic World" and "Dare To Be Dull" including a cover of Bad Brains' "Pay To Cum". Inspired by the 80's scene with the likes of Bad Brains, Adolescents & The Zero Boys, the boys in Bad Reaction bring together their different influences from back in the day and add their own touch to it. The result is one the best and one of the most fierce old school hard core installments I've heard in a while. The smart, yet sometimes very humoristc, lyrics are also great. I can't believe I've missed this band up until now. Shame on me... "Had it Coming" is 15 minutes and 20 seconds of awesome stuff that you really need to look up. Do it!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
RE-VOLTS | S/T
10" | Pirates Press Records
Reviewed: May 6th, 2008
I've been waiting to put my hands on this 10" for a long time and I'm totally stoked to finally have it. Re-Volts, featuring members of Swingin' Utters, One Man Army and Bottles & Skulls, is one hell of a good band and this 10" is their debut. Put Dalrymple, Slawson, Scavuzzo & Koski in the same band and it's pretty much bound for success. These 10 inches of vinyl are so damn good!
You can tell that this band is from San Francisco by just listening to them. You will hear elements from all of the mentioned bands but I think they've managed to do something new with it. It's a pretty straight on punk rock record basically, with some really cool melodies. It might also be a bit more pop-influenced than their other bands which I think is just another cool thing about it. If you like any of these bands you're gonna love the Re-Volts, I swear. This, right here, is the true San Francisco -sound!
Since it's a Pirates Press release you know you're in for a treat regarding the packaging and the color of the vinyl. This is a must have and it's also limited so hurry up!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
10" | Pirates Press Records
Reviewed: May 6th, 2008
I've been waiting to put my hands on this 10" for a long time and I'm totally stoked to finally have it. Re-Volts, featuring members of Swingin' Utters, One Man Army and Bottles & Skulls, is one hell of a good band and this 10" is their debut. Put Dalrymple, Slawson, Scavuzzo & Koski in the same band and it's pretty much bound for success. These 10 inches of vinyl are so damn good!
You can tell that this band is from San Francisco by just listening to them. You will hear elements from all of the mentioned bands but I think they've managed to do something new with it. It's a pretty straight on punk rock record basically, with some really cool melodies. It might also be a bit more pop-influenced than their other bands which I think is just another cool thing about it. If you like any of these bands you're gonna love the Re-Volts, I swear. This, right here, is the true San Francisco -sound!
Since it's a Pirates Press release you know you're in for a treat regarding the packaging and the color of the vinyl. This is a must have and it's also limited so hurry up!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
SCREAM HELLO | "SMART & STUPID"
CDEP | Red Leader Records
Reviewed: May 6th, 2008
Matt at Red Leader Records spoke very highly of this band in the interview I did with him, and I totally agree with everything he said. Scream Hello is a fantastic band, period. But, putting a label on Scream Hello isn't easy since they bring together the best pieces from a lot of different styles of music. It's the way that Scream Hello puts it all together that is the secret formula. Not much can go wrong if you're sincere and put your heart into what you do. To me, it sounds like that's exactly what this band does. I love every second of this EP and the opening track "A Few Minutes" has really been stickin' to my head lately. At times I think of early Weakerthans, but with a bit more bite.
Up for some heartfelt, still rockin', indie-pop with a touch of melodic punk rock and extremely well-written melodies? Then look no further. Scream Hello is all that.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CDEP | Red Leader Records
Reviewed: May 6th, 2008
Matt at Red Leader Records spoke very highly of this band in the interview I did with him, and I totally agree with everything he said. Scream Hello is a fantastic band, period. But, putting a label on Scream Hello isn't easy since they bring together the best pieces from a lot of different styles of music. It's the way that Scream Hello puts it all together that is the secret formula. Not much can go wrong if you're sincere and put your heart into what you do. To me, it sounds like that's exactly what this band does. I love every second of this EP and the opening track "A Few Minutes" has really been stickin' to my head lately. At times I think of early Weakerthans, but with a bit more bite.
Up for some heartfelt, still rockin', indie-pop with a touch of melodic punk rock and extremely well-written melodies? Then look no further. Scream Hello is all that.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THEE MERRY WIDOWS | "THE DEVIL'S OUTLAWS "
CD | People Like You
Reviewed: April 28th, 2008
Apparently Thee Merry Widows are America's first all-female psychobilly band. They're combining their love for psychobilly, horrorpunk, surf and rockabilly on this, their first, album.
As you all know, I hate almost everything that has to do with psychobilly and horrorpunk and this band makes no exception. "The Devil's Outlaws" is probably one of the most boring and uninteresting albums I've ever heard in my life. The music is waaaay to slow and the band's singer, Miss Eva Von Slut (cool name...eh?...), sounds so bored I can't believe it.
I hate to say it, but this is crap.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | People Like You
Reviewed: April 28th, 2008
Apparently Thee Merry Widows are America's first all-female psychobilly band. They're combining their love for psychobilly, horrorpunk, surf and rockabilly on this, their first, album.
As you all know, I hate almost everything that has to do with psychobilly and horrorpunk and this band makes no exception. "The Devil's Outlaws" is probably one of the most boring and uninteresting albums I've ever heard in my life. The music is waaaay to slow and the band's singer, Miss Eva Von Slut (cool name...eh?...), sounds so bored I can't believe it.
I hate to say it, but this is crap.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
DEADLINE | "WE'RE TAKING OVER"
CD | People Like You
Reviewed: April 28th, 2008
This album is consists of four brand new Deadline cuts as well as a 13-song live set recorded last summer in Germany. I like Deadline, I think they're an ok band. The thing with these new songs is that I think they sound a little bit to flat. The songs are good and all, but the recording is a bit weak. I like the ska-song "We're Not American" but basically "Smell The Coffee" is the only song in which singer Liz Rose really let's go. That one is cool but the rest is pretty lame. Too bad on such a good band, they should dirt it up a bit next time.
The live-show is ok. I'm not all that into live-albums. It's hard to capture the feeling of a show onto a CD but I think they've did a pretty good job. The band sounds tight as hell and the crowd really seems to like it. But, I bet it sounded better if you were actually there. I liked their last album a lot better.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | People Like You
Reviewed: April 28th, 2008
This album is consists of four brand new Deadline cuts as well as a 13-song live set recorded last summer in Germany. I like Deadline, I think they're an ok band. The thing with these new songs is that I think they sound a little bit to flat. The songs are good and all, but the recording is a bit weak. I like the ska-song "We're Not American" but basically "Smell The Coffee" is the only song in which singer Liz Rose really let's go. That one is cool but the rest is pretty lame. Too bad on such a good band, they should dirt it up a bit next time.
The live-show is ok. I'm not all that into live-albums. It's hard to capture the feeling of a show onto a CD but I think they've did a pretty good job. The band sounds tight as hell and the crowd really seems to like it. But, I bet it sounded better if you were actually there. I liked their last album a lot better.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
YOUNG HEARTS | "THE FIGHT EP"
CD | Self Released
Reviewed: April 28th, 2008
I don't know if it's just me but I feel that there's a lot of good new poppy punk band's popping up right now. I'm talking about real pop-punk, not that awful stuff that has been on the TV for the last couple of years. Young Hearts from Brooklyn are one of these new bands that has really caught my attention. Featuring members of the now demised hardcore outfit Dear Tonight, this four-piece has been playing their brand of poppy punk rock for about two years now, so they're actually not that new. However, I feel that this new EP of theirs, entitled "The Fight" could really hit things off. All four songs have a really fresh feeling to them complete with awesome hooks and great vocals. My favorite song out of the four is "Caught Up" which sounds like a blend of Bouncing Souls and Lifetime. The fact that this is a self-released EP feels a bit weird though. All songs on "The Fight" are awesome and I can't believe a label hasn't picked these guys up yet. I guess it's just a matter of time though. The Young Hearts possesses great songwriting-skills and deserves some serious attention. Give 'em some!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | Self Released
Reviewed: April 28th, 2008
I don't know if it's just me but I feel that there's a lot of good new poppy punk band's popping up right now. I'm talking about real pop-punk, not that awful stuff that has been on the TV for the last couple of years. Young Hearts from Brooklyn are one of these new bands that has really caught my attention. Featuring members of the now demised hardcore outfit Dear Tonight, this four-piece has been playing their brand of poppy punk rock for about two years now, so they're actually not that new. However, I feel that this new EP of theirs, entitled "The Fight" could really hit things off. All four songs have a really fresh feeling to them complete with awesome hooks and great vocals. My favorite song out of the four is "Caught Up" which sounds like a blend of Bouncing Souls and Lifetime. The fact that this is a self-released EP feels a bit weird though. All songs on "The Fight" are awesome and I can't believe a label hasn't picked these guys up yet. I guess it's just a matter of time though. The Young Hearts possesses great songwriting-skills and deserves some serious attention. Give 'em some!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CARBON/SILICON | "THE LAST POST"
CD | Carbon/Silicon Records
Reviewed: April 3d, 2008
For about 5 years now Carbon/Silicon, the brainchild of Mick Jones (The Clash) and Tony James (Generation X), have been making awesome music. All the band's recordings have been available for free through the band's website with an idea of spreading music and culture for free rather than focusing on profit. "The Last Post" is more or less a compilation of the group's best material so far and if you somehow managed to miss the band it's a perfect introduction. All the music has been re-mixed by former Clash engineer Bill Price who, in my opinion gave the songs an extra edge.
Mixing their punk roots with more experimental stuff, pop and good 'ol rock'n'roll Carbon/Silicon is definitely a band to count on in terms of excellent song-writing. I love this record and I really can't get enough of it. I especially like Mick's lyrics.
Brilliant lyrics, brilliant music, brilliant people. Get it!!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
MILLENCOLIN | "MACHINE 15"
CD | Burning Heart / Epitaph
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
The pride of Örebro City, Millencolin are back with a new record. Since I live in the same small town as the band this group has a special place in my heart but I wouldn't call myself a die-hard fan. Millencolin were one of the first swedish band's on the skate side of punk that I liked so it's always nice to see what they're up to. Even if the band has evolved and matured with each album you pretty much know what you'll get when you pick up one of their records. "Machine 15" is in my opinion a step towards more of a rock feel rather than punk. Overall it feels very "californian" which I guess was the intention. I've always seen Millencolin as a fun band but this record has a bit more of a serious feel to it, at least lyric-wise.
Musically "Machine 15" is more polished than the band's previous work. The production is really clean and I must say that overall it sounds is a bit lame. There are a bunch of really good songs on the record but I still miss the energy that I found on "Pennybridge Pioneers" (2000) and "Home From Home" (2002). However, "Detox" has that signature Millencolin sound and the pop-punky "Brand New Game" is a great tune. My favorite songs on the record are "Route One" which makes me think of Face To Face and "Danger For Stranger". The latter has a great riff and is by far the best song on the album. More songs like this one could have made this album awesome.
To sum things up Millencolin is a great band, but "Machine 15" is not their finest hour.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | Burning Heart / Epitaph
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
The pride of Örebro City, Millencolin are back with a new record. Since I live in the same small town as the band this group has a special place in my heart but I wouldn't call myself a die-hard fan. Millencolin were one of the first swedish band's on the skate side of punk that I liked so it's always nice to see what they're up to. Even if the band has evolved and matured with each album you pretty much know what you'll get when you pick up one of their records. "Machine 15" is in my opinion a step towards more of a rock feel rather than punk. Overall it feels very "californian" which I guess was the intention. I've always seen Millencolin as a fun band but this record has a bit more of a serious feel to it, at least lyric-wise.
Musically "Machine 15" is more polished than the band's previous work. The production is really clean and I must say that overall it sounds is a bit lame. There are a bunch of really good songs on the record but I still miss the energy that I found on "Pennybridge Pioneers" (2000) and "Home From Home" (2002). However, "Detox" has that signature Millencolin sound and the pop-punky "Brand New Game" is a great tune. My favorite songs on the record are "Route One" which makes me think of Face To Face and "Danger For Stranger". The latter has a great riff and is by far the best song on the album. More songs like this one could have made this album awesome.
To sum things up Millencolin is a great band, but "Machine 15" is not their finest hour.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
MAKE DO AND MEND | "WE'RE ALL JUST LIVING"
CDEP | Restless Minds Records
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
I'm gonne be honest, the first half of this EP did not impress me much. But then all of a sudden this band goes from being pretty boring to delivering some great rocking post-punk songs a la Hot Water Music and it blows me away. The second half of the EP is so damn good! I guess you really need to give this record a good listen to appreciate it. The first songs might suck, but hang in there, it's worth it. "The Line" and "Insomniac Jams" are so much better then the first songs, both the music and the vocals reaches another level on these tracks. I'm not sure how long these guys have been playing together but if this is the direction they're going for things are definitely looking bright. This band went from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye.
"We're All Just Living" = 50% crap... / 50% brilliant!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CDEP | Restless Minds Records
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
I'm gonne be honest, the first half of this EP did not impress me much. But then all of a sudden this band goes from being pretty boring to delivering some great rocking post-punk songs a la Hot Water Music and it blows me away. The second half of the EP is so damn good! I guess you really need to give this record a good listen to appreciate it. The first songs might suck, but hang in there, it's worth it. "The Line" and "Insomniac Jams" are so much better then the first songs, both the music and the vocals reaches another level on these tracks. I'm not sure how long these guys have been playing together but if this is the direction they're going for things are definitely looking bright. This band went from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye.
"We're All Just Living" = 50% crap... / 50% brilliant!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CURSED | "III - ARCHITECTS OF TROUBLED SLEEP"
CD/LP | Reflections Records
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
Toronto based Cursed's new album is an 11-song installment of brutal pissed-off hardcore punk. Think of Disfear, Unsane and The Hope Conspiracy and you've got a pretty good idea of what these guys are all about. Personally I like the album a lot even though it might be a bit messy at times. Actually the word messy may not be appropriate, I guess chaos is more fitting. When a song like "Night Terrors" blasts out of the speakers it kinda feels like a knife in your ear. "Antihero Resuscitator" is my favorite one on "III" and this is the song that reminds me the most of The Hope Conspiracy. Overall this record is one of the roughest and most nihilistic albums I've come across in a while. I like this stuff a lot but I prefer a bit more melody, otherwise it's a cool record. This is hard stuff!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD/LP | Reflections Records
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
Toronto based Cursed's new album is an 11-song installment of brutal pissed-off hardcore punk. Think of Disfear, Unsane and The Hope Conspiracy and you've got a pretty good idea of what these guys are all about. Personally I like the album a lot even though it might be a bit messy at times. Actually the word messy may not be appropriate, I guess chaos is more fitting. When a song like "Night Terrors" blasts out of the speakers it kinda feels like a knife in your ear. "Antihero Resuscitator" is my favorite one on "III" and this is the song that reminds me the most of The Hope Conspiracy. Overall this record is one of the roughest and most nihilistic albums I've come across in a while. I like this stuff a lot but I prefer a bit more melody, otherwise it's a cool record. This is hard stuff!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE EARL BROTHERS | "MOONSHINE"
CD | Big Hen Music
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
My favorite bluegrass band of all times is back with a new recording! I still listen a lot to the band's last album "Troubles To Blame" and I still hold it as my favorite bluegrass record. There's been a few line-up changes since the last time around so I was a bit scared that the band had lost that spark along the way. Fortunately I was wrong. The spark is still there and Robert Earl Davis still know how to write fantastic old time music with a fresh touch. However, I do miss Joe McKelvy's vocals a lot and I think his voice was an important ingredient in this band's sound. But, once I got over the fact that McKelvy's no longer a part of the group I found this album to be almost as good as the last one. In fact, Earl Davis can handle the vocal duties very well on his own.
Just like on the last record The Earl Brother's lyrics are about death, women and whiskey: "My mother was a dancer / My daddy plowed some corn / Learned to make the moonshine / The day that I was born". That exerpt from the song "Dark Days" should give you a hint of what to expect from this album when it comes to the lyrics. Musically "Moonshine" is a very traditional kind of down-tempo bluegrass record. It's the dark lyrics that brings the almost gothic feel to the band and makes the band stand out. If you like bluegrass you're gonna love this one. It doesn't matter where you're from or how old you are. It's almost impossible not to love The Earl Brothers.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CD | Big Hen Music
Reviewed: April 5th, 2008
My favorite bluegrass band of all times is back with a new recording! I still listen a lot to the band's last album "Troubles To Blame" and I still hold it as my favorite bluegrass record. There's been a few line-up changes since the last time around so I was a bit scared that the band had lost that spark along the way. Fortunately I was wrong. The spark is still there and Robert Earl Davis still know how to write fantastic old time music with a fresh touch. However, I do miss Joe McKelvy's vocals a lot and I think his voice was an important ingredient in this band's sound. But, once I got over the fact that McKelvy's no longer a part of the group I found this album to be almost as good as the last one. In fact, Earl Davis can handle the vocal duties very well on his own.
Just like on the last record The Earl Brother's lyrics are about death, women and whiskey: "My mother was a dancer / My daddy plowed some corn / Learned to make the moonshine / The day that I was born". That exerpt from the song "Dark Days" should give you a hint of what to expect from this album when it comes to the lyrics. Musically "Moonshine" is a very traditional kind of down-tempo bluegrass record. It's the dark lyrics that brings the almost gothic feel to the band and makes the band stand out. If you like bluegrass you're gonna love this one. It doesn't matter where you're from or how old you are. It's almost impossible not to love The Earl Brothers.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM