Razzle
"All Those Wasted (Y)ears" CD
Pox
World Empire
Genres: math-rock, experimental rock, indie rock
Pox World Empire
1512 James Street
Durham, NC 27707
Mar 14 - 20 2005 |
Angular math-rock is at a highpoint in its abundance these days, with
a wealth of bands spinning their musical yarns in an everlasting quest
to awe listeners with technical complexity and power. This often
results in lengthy instrumental endeavors, although vocals are
occasionally present as well. All Those Wasted (Y)ears,
seemingly a tribute to a Hanoi Rocks' live album (recorded a
year before drummer Razzle's death), is a seven-song foray into
the band's aggressively angular style, which (appropriately) stuffs
glam-rock influences into the mix.
"Rainbows and Heroes," for example, is a lively, Faraquet-styled
rocker that tries out all sorts of musical devices, restlessly sifting through
melodies and time measures.
"Ogre Battle" has a powerful, macho chorus and "Jupiter
by Night" epitomizes the band's glam-rock style with arena-calibre
hair-metal screams and eighties-style singing.
Unfortunately, All Those Wasted (Y)ears is Razzle's
first and last release, so listening to it can be a bit saddening.
The band's overt, glammy style is certainly unique, and realizing this
record is the be-all and end-all can be a pretty discouraging
feeling. However, if you want to get a taste of an original
(albeit somewhat obscure) math-rock band, this record makes for a very
enticing sample.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
7 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2004] |