RED LIGHT CAROUSEL
Tribunal
The North Carolina metal scene is growing steadily with latest contenders The Cardinal Effect causing a strong buzz nationally. Red Light Carousel is the band's debut on Tribunal records and it crosses over several boundaries of modern metal, from hardcore to alternative metal. While songs like "The After Party" and the title track lean toward The Deftones/From Zero territory, other songs such as "A Song For You (To Remember Me By)" and "Tides" blunder into the typical and predictable whiney punk/pop niche. What I actually found most impressive was the tranquil, melodic acoustic track "Press Your Eyes" which truly shows the band's diversity and worldly vision. All in all, Red Light Carousel is an impressive debut hence The Cardinal Effect is definitely a band to watch for in the future.
HERMANO
DARE I SAY...
MeteorCity
Dare I Say... is Hermano's second release for the Albuquerque, NM based label MeteorCity. Fronted by former Kyuss vocalist John Garcia (who has been proclaimed as one of the Godfathers of the Stoner-rock genre) Hermano was formed as a project by founding bassist/guitarist/songwriter Dandy Brown back in '99 after recruiting former Superfuzz drummer Chris Leathers and guitarist David Angstrom. The band has already built a strong fan base with their 2000 debut and with the success of bands like Queens Of The Stone Age and Fu Manchu (who also feature former Kyuss members) Hermano's buzz is growing even stronger. Musically the band is very similar to Q.O.T.S.A. with more southern comfort and acid-fueled chaos. Not one of the labels best efforts but indeed a noteworthy release. My favorite tracks: "Cowboys Suck," "Brother Bjork," the agro punk-rock chant-a-long "Angry American" and the acoustic Zep-inspired "Murder One."
MADSIDE
MADSIDE
EVO Recordings
NorCal faves Madside release their self-titled debut on EVO recordings. The CD, produced by Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, Green Jelly), was recorded at Radiostar Studios (Massy's recording studio/concert theater located just outside Mt. Shasta) and features 11 hard-hitting, well-written tracks blending alternative rock with nu-metal. It's evident this indie band has a professional outlook on the business, not only did they hire a top producer, but also famed rock photographer Neil Zlowzower , and a major publicity firm to promote this release. The band has been touring up and down the northwest from the Bay Area to Seattle building a strong cult following. Mike Mathis on vocals & guitar, Brian Addleson on guitar, Ryan Johnson on bass, and drummer Dave Watts are all competent musicians with a good ear for melody. Although providing nothing terribly original, Madside deliver tight, solid riffs with tasteful vocal melodies and a sound and style that should very well appease today's hard rock fans.
Shockwaves CD REVIEWS ISSUE 11 Page 12