The Audio Nut
March 15th, 2005

This time we get a double dose of the band Primus

Primus
Frizzle Fry
1990 Caroline Records

Grade: A

http://www.primussucks.com
http://www.caroline.com/caroline
http://www.interscope.com

Primus is a peculiar type of band. They combine strange and comical lyrics with jazz, heavy metal and funk into a bizarre mix of beauty. 1990’s Frizzle Fry put the band on the map nationally and primed America for their breakout c.d. Sailing the Seas of Cheese.  Songs like, “Spaghetti Western”, “ Harold of the Rocks”, “John the Fisherman” and “To Defy the Laws of Tradition” are all classic Primus songs. The band has often been compared to one of their biggest influences Rush, but on PCP. Les Claypool (Bass/ Vocals) is a quirky guy that dances around the stage in funky ways, but is considered one of the best bass players in music in the past twenty years. Larry and Herb (guitar and drums) made this group a solid force to be reckoned with in the 90’s. Herb left the band at one point, but later returned and Claypool has put out a countless number of c.d.’s with some of his other musical mates such as Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade and Sausage (which predated Primus).

To this day this is the best Primus record in my opinion. If you are a fan of the band and have never heard Frizzle Fry you should get this c.d. as soon as possible.

Primus
Antipop
1999 Interscope Records

Antipop is Primus with more of a heavier rock edge to them. It includes the new drummer Brain and is probably the best release since 1990’s Frizzle Fry. The title track “Antipop” is THE Primus theme song in my opinion; they have always sounded like themselves and never seemed to try and write that one ‘radio hit’. “Electric Uncle Sam”, “Lacquer Head” and “Momma Didn’t Raise No Fool” are all great songs. The disc even includes a cover of the Tom Waite song “Coattails of a Dead Man”. The band often found mild success with their recordings, but I feel that they were overlooked with this release. The record didn’t have a single or video that got descent airplay like past singles, “Wynonna’s Big Brown Beaver”, or “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver”. Still this recording is a must have for Primus or Les Claypool fans.
 

Rush
2112
1976 Remastered 1997 Mercury / Universal

Grade: A

http://www.rush.com
http://www.universalrecords.com

Rush is a band that you either hate or absolutely love. I for one am a Rush fan. There is no denying the musical genius of this trio; and their staying power with fans is remarkable. “Something for Nothing”, “Passage to Bangkok” and of course the title track “2112” are all parts of musical history. The band has spent almost thirty years influencing songwriters and musicians alike with their non-conformist style of song writing and their poetic and often thought provoking lyrics. Many of the songs in the groups catalog are broken down into movements and often one song has taken up the whole side of an album (like 2112 does on this recording).

In 2004 Rush released an EP titled Feedback where they covered songs that they enjoyed growing up. The band continues to tour to this day playing for thousands and thousands of fans in sold out arena and stadium shows all around the world. Other Rush albums worth checking out include, Permanent Waves (1980), Moving Pictures (1981), Fly by Night (1975) and Hemispheres (1978). While the band had already hit their prime musically by the early 80’s you really can’t go wrong with any of the their recordings.

All of the above c.d.’s can be bought new or used by going to http://www.amazon.com, your local music sellers or at their respective webpages.
 

To be considered for The Underground Spotlight send me an e-mail with contact information to jsohn@nutzworld.net or theaudionut@nutzworld.net

Drivin’ Rain
Drivin’ Rain (self titled)
2004 Vaults of Karma Records

Grade: A-

http://www.drivinrain.net
http://www.myspace.com/drivinrain
http://www.cabalaproductions.tk

Drivin’ Rain is dubbed as ‘the alternative to Alternative’, and this self-titled disc proves that statement true. Drivin’ Rain takes you back to the days when bands like Motley Crue and Ratt ruled the world. Sure, you may say that style has died out or no one listens to that type of music anymore. Well my friend that statement would be far from the truth. 80’s metal or ‘hair metal’ or whatever you’d like to call it has far from died and Drivin’ Rain wants to remind you of that.

The disc starts out with the hard rocking “A Downward Spin” and continues to drag you through this guitar driven recording by your earlobes. Songs like “A Law Against Me”, “2Y2K (Too Young To Kill)” and “Toys for the Witches” will remind you of bands like W.A.S.P., Kiss, Twisted Sister and just about any other band that road high when heavy metal ruled the 80’s and early 90’s. The band has spent the past ten years creating a loyal following in the US and has started to catch on overseas like a wildfire. G.P. and Skully provide a solid rhythm section for guitarist Tommy to do his work while the music lays as a good bed for singer Timexx to bellow out his lyrics. The songs are well written and the musicianship is really good. There are no cookie monster voices or silly antics when it comes to this straightforward rock-n-roll recording.

If you are a fan of guitar driven rock music or like any of the bands listed above then be sure to weather the storm and dive into Drivin’ Rain.

Drivin’ Rain is:
Timexx- Lead Vocals
Tommy- Guitar/ Vocals
Skully- Bass/ Vocals
G.P- Drums/ Vocals

Fists of Phoenix
(Demo taken from Hold High the Phoenix)
2005 Unsigned Band

Grade: A-

http://www.myspace.com/fistsofphoenix
http://www.purevolume.com/fistsofphoenix
http://www.cabalaproductions.tk

Fists of Phoenix are a new and young band quickly emerging on the scene. The have a really good sound and are rapidly making a name for themselves with a high-energy live show. The songs are good lyrically and are very well written. While I don’t have a copy of the entire disc, what I do have is really good. “One in a Million” (not the song by Guns N’ Roses), “Chance to Breathe” and “Sleepless Tonight” are all great listens. I am looking forward to getting a copy of the whole recording. The bands sound reminds me of later Suicidal Tendencies and newer A.F.I. with a little bit of The Juliana Theory thrown in for good measure. Overall this group is showing a lot of promise and I am truly looking forward to hearing more from and about them in the future.

Be sure to contact them about getting a disc and also check out their myspace.com page for information about how you can help them get on the Vans Warped Tour this summer.

Fists of Phoenix is:
Daniel- Vocals
Chase- Guitar
Ian- Guitar
Chris- Drums
Jared- Bass
 

Demon Hunter
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Ryan- vocals live, guitar, bass, vocals on record.
Q. How did you decide on the name Demon Hunter?
A. Just hanging out with friends, we were toying with names. That one just stuck. At the time we weren't looking for a name for a band we'd started or anything. We actually formed the band after because we thought it was a cool band name.
Q. How did you come up with the name Summer of Darkness for your last c.d.?
A. It's derived from an old joke that we've had for years but we put a more serious spin on it for the album.
Q. What are you willing to reveal to us about the new c.d. and is their any timetable as to when it'll be done or released?
A. All that I can say at this point is that we have a handful of riffs and a small handful of lyrics at this point, but from what we can tell, it's going to be mega. More legit metal. We're hoping to enter the studio in the late summer and release in early winter.
Q. Are there any plans for upcoming live performances or any touring?
A. At this point there are no solid plans, but we will be out on the road again in good time.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be?
A. Myself
Q. What are you listening to these days in your car, home or work stereo?
A. Strapping Young Lad, Doves, Feeder, Mnemic, Kings Of Leon, At The Gates, Bloodsimple, Starflyer 59, Norma Jean, Pitty Sing, Dogs Die In Hot Cars, The Cult, Third Eye Blind, In Flames, etc…

Demon Hunter Links:
http://www.demonhunter.net
http://www.solidstaterecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/demonhunter
http://www.purevolume.com/demonhunter

The Curse of Western Culture

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Special Agent Dick Witham and I do most of the stuff besides play instruments nowadays... just singing and programming
Q. How did you come up with the name, The Curse of Western Culture?
A. I went to see some punk show in the University District of Seattle with some emo kids; the bands playing there were "Cursive", and "Eastern Youth". One of these little emo bastards thought it was hilarious when I thought we were going to see " The Curse of an Eastern Youth. " Drugs and several mind children later we became The Curse of Western Culture...
Q. You guys are about to release your debut recording. What do you want to tell us about it and how can we get a copy of the c.d.?
A. You can join our myspace friends list and get it for 5 bones or at a show for 7.50 -- www.shadowstate.com is our official website... you can contact us there, and when we have the copies they will be sold there and in stores.
Q. Are there any plans for a tour or any live shows coming up?
A. We're pretty much up for whatever anywhere. We are about to buy a sweet tour bus. We’ve already moved from Seattle to the Midwest to give the Bush states a little wake up call. AUGUST 2005 we will be doing a full U.S. tour so check the sites for details and join the mailing list.
Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and non-musical?
A. The list is too broad, nobody can pin point what we sound like, so I don't even ask anymore. JUST SAY ROCK!!! Non-Musically I would definitely have to say George Orwell, William Cooper, Noam Chomsky, Charles Manson, revolutionary thought in general (a list too long to tear into now)
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. George W. Bush, He's got the whole world in his hands.
Q. What are you listening to in you car/home stereo?
A. The Curse of Western Culture, Pink Floyd, The Cars, NIN, KMFDM, MINISTRY, Charles Manson spoken word collection.

The Curse Of Western Culture Links:
www.shadowstate.com 
www.myspace.com/thecurseofwesternculture 

Note: I’ve heard a couple of the songs and they are definitely worth checking out. Look for a review of the disc here in a few weeks, as it gets closer to release.
 

http://www.rockhall.com is the official page of the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. You can check out Today in Rock History, Hall of Fame Inductees and even plan a trip to go and visit the museum.

1.About a Burning Fire by Blindside
2.Absolution by Muse - Reviewed in Issue 1
3.Summer of Darkness by Demon Hunter - Reviewed in Issue 1
4.This Type of Thing (Could Do Us In) by Chevelle - Reviewed in Issue 3
5.Deja Entendu by Brand New - Reviewed in Issue 1