Downeast Record & CD Review****April 28,1999
THE GLADRAGS
Give the Gladrags a listen
My grading system:
A=Awesome
B=Beautiful
C=Could be better
D=Don't quit your day job
E=Enough Already
F=Flush It,Forget It,or @#$% It
Today your going to read about a three piece group that is going to blow you away.A band with massive attack alå guitar hooks extraordinaire.A band that has almost introduced a new genre,that they'll have to label.Vocals that are unique done by a truly unique person,Beezer Hill.The bass and harmony vocals also nonpareil,done by Dave Vegafria.An amazing kickster slickster on the percussion kit,Pete Marchese.If your ready to rock you came to the right block.These guys are high energy,high intensity and their waiting for you to give them a listen.So with no further b.s.here it is.
This weeks reviews are by:
Donna Crowley(D.C.)
and Chris Small(C.S.)
On to the review:
TRACK 1
Action
D.C.-Make sure you have the volume turned down a bit because you will be knocked off your seat.Or better yet be standing and ready to dance because you're going to want to boogie on this one.Hot streaming leads and a hard driving rhythm section.This is great party music,no b.s.,just in your face powerpunk.(A++)
C.S.-Catchy Rhythm.This is a good solid punk sounding tune.Nice strong power chords.The solo isn't bad either.I tend to like the vocals at the end of the song.They've got a lot more balls.Where as the beginning vocals sound a little like Weird Al Yankovic.(C+)
TRACK 2
Can't Let Go
D.C.-This is the title track,and is probably the song most likely to make a big impact when it gets air play.It has a captivating melody with some tasteful lead breaks.The beat is solid and uptempo,and the lyrics have a solid hook.This is one that you "can't let go."(A+++)
C.S.-Another catchy song.Lot's of energy and the vocals are a lot stronger throughout.I like the style change at the bridge.Nice touch.(A)
TRACK 3
Hennepin
D.C.-A similar style to Cheap Trick using the jazzy chord progression to change the three chord punk style.I can sense some serious musicianship along with the fun side of this band.This is a solid song that ran a tad too short leaving me wanting.(A)
C.S.-I really like the energy that this band conveys.The jazz chords at the end of each phrase of the chorus has a cool effect.About 3/4 of the way through the song the guitarist breaks into some cool bluesy sounding chordal riffs.(B)
TRACK 4
Teenage Lament
D.C.-Some strong power chords open the song getting your attention.Switching channels also woke me right up.I love the way the tempo changes to a "Rocky Mountain" bluesy feel in the bridge.The lyrics and the vocals are excellent.Pete has a solid drum style that really helps to drive the tune.I'd also like to credit the keyboard player for adding some color to the tune,unfortunately I don't know who it is.(A+)
C.S.-Intro really grabs the listener.The vocals have some well needed effects added to them.The organ in the background adds some nice flair.The bridge is unexpected but it is cool as hell.It really puts some diversity into the album.(A)
TRACK 5
Bullet Train To Tokyo
D.C.-Nice little opening vocal effect to another hard driving number.Pete once again,along with Dave build up a solid foundation for Beezer to flourish off from.I could almost hear the European sirens comeing after me.This is a catchy number with some intricate changes that serve to make this an exemplary tune. This is one number that deserves some serious air play,especially on the college radio scene.Request it and tell them to check out The Gladrags website and ours to find out more.(A++)
C.S.-The intro is,again,catchy.Makes you want to hear more.I like the middle where they add in some sampled voices.The end really blew me away.The band does an amazing job of building up to a climax,where the song just ends,leaving the listener hanging in awe.(A)
TRACK 6
Mary's Modern World
D.C.-The chords in the intro are not the conventional for what the song turns into.This is a real complex production with the background vocals and the many tight breaks.The lyrics are very intriguing and mesmerizing.They,the band,show the diversity that they possess and the depth and breadth they put in their music.(A++)
C.S.-The beginning chords open up the track nicely.I didn't really care for this song.It is average and doesn't provide any thing that really makes you want to hear what's coming next.But I do like the style changes when the chorus hits.It helps to heal this wounded song.It ends nicely too.(B++)
Chris' overall impression:
Not too bad of a band.They have definitely mastered the art of 3 chord alterna-punk.The intro's are really good eye openers.Some of the songs' verses are a little bland.But short lengths of the songs and usally good outro's help to divert your attention from these flaws.The vocals sometimes sound like a cross between Weird Al and John Lennon.It is a strange mix.Sometimes it works,sometimes it doesn't. Remember this is strictly MY opinion.If you would like to form your own opinion about this band please see our "Buy The CD's" link and get a copy.(B+)
Donna's overall impression:
Some people are looking for the same "POP" music to come around.The Gladrags are not the band that these people are looking for.They are blazing a new path and not all will follow the path.If you are the adventuresome type,and like to explore the fresh music,then climb aboard.Perhaps it could be considered a cultish style,like The Ramones,Cheap Trick,Phish,The Dead,Lou Reed,Cooper,Kiss,and others that dared to be different.I applaud The Gladrags for being original,while drawing off some past greats. Give them a serious listen,not just once but a few times and I believe you'll find that this CD will grow on you.Remember all things new are not enjoyed at first glance,but savored with age.The Gladrags will be a band,that with time,will become one of your favorite bands.(A+)
Order The CD From This Website
The Gladrags
Or send a message through snail mail at:
The Gladrags
4351 South Packard Ave.
Cudahy,WI
53110
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