After reviewing The Fronts Second Cd and having seen them live I was very interested to see where they came from? So I bought there first CD Sounds of the New Frontier and felt a review for said Disc was in order.

Funny looking at a bands past work having heard there latest, so yes there will be the odd reference to the new CD and my opinions back and forth between them OK?

Right First up for Dissection is LOUDER rumbling bass and drums lead us into a nice Punk stained with Rock riff, Laurens voice forces its way in and rules the song, this is much more Punk based then I was expecting all the signs are there for the future but this has a rough angst to it that I really like, again the dual Guitars work well together building a wall of Distorted Sound, Good start



ALL THE STARS is next and powers in with a great drum onslaught the pace is high again and the chugging guitar and rattling bass throws you left and right as this Blistering track builds and builds until it rattles your very soul loose the power punk riffage and Growl riddled vocal is a winner all the way, the breakdown mid song is juicy as is the sultry vocal although I notice Laurens Hell scream siren vocal is not quite perfected yet as the growls don’t quite have the same punch as now but there’s a note she holds at the end of the Break that just curled my toes with its beauty. So it’s going well so far like the overall sound and style and the Punk edge that these tunes throw at you.

RADIO is a catchy powerful Punky bruise that spreads the length of your spine from its laid back verse riffs building to the full on catchy sickly sweet chorus is just immense Big Time Raydeeeeeoooooooooooooooow (so catchy haha)…

LIVING DEAD nice little punk guitar riff drops into a fast paced chuggathon of festering zombie dripping putrified glory, it’s a rock and roll tale of Drugs and the sad existence and the guitar break and grunted backing vocals finish this nicely.



BLOOD MONEY this is very reminiscent of the New CD and one they did in the set when I saw them, this does retain its punk roots though and the rock does not own this track it rents a space in it again a good catchy chorus and interaction between the musicians it’s the Front full on in ya face and sassy too, another long scream in this that rips laurens vocal chords a new arsehole.

SO BRIGHT not for me this is an ok song it rumbles along but does not really hit my buttons, I am not sure what this is supposed to do, it feels unfinished to me and that’s all I will say see what you think you may get it.

RUM RUN you just know from the intro this rock n roll punkrock song is gonna get ya going booze fuelled music this time reversed in that the verse is catchy as fuck and has you singing along and the chorus is for the Rum fuelled singalong haha  nice middle 8 and breakdown adds a worthwhile distraction and then back in it you are thrown.



HIGHWAY ooh not keen on the start of this it seems jumbled and miss timed almost uncomfortable with the vocal not quite fitting with the music this doesn’t work at all for me, the second part of the song I like with its almost british style Punk rhythm but its short and not often enough to make up for the other section that leaves me reaching for the skip button

NO ROOM FOR YOU is next and like its predecessor has a different sound and feel to that of the earlier tracks this feels stripped down rougher round the edges with a different overall sound, though I like its catchy and gritty feel but I wonder was it recorded in a different studio or at a different time its not as polished but in this instance it works well with a good singalong Uk punk chorus and great chugging again on the guitar



Last up is RESILIENT ONES another fast paced track with a mountain of lyrics thrown out in quick succession this track too I heard live and feel it has more energy now than on here it’s a good song but lacks a bit of The Fronts OOMph so not the best end to the CD.

So overall it’s a mixed bag starts really well but kind of runs out of steam a couple of tracks I didn’t like and a couple that I felt the sound wasn’t right on but if you like the Front then you should have this CD in your collection it has not only some cracking songs on it but it shows where the band came from and where they wanted to go.

These words Ranted and written down by

Woodstock Punkrock

The Front, a band that call Casper, Wyoming, home are a band I was ignorant of/about until recently seeing them at the STILL DYING PUNK & ALTERNATIVE ALL DAYER last Saturday (15th May) hosted by The Central Venue, Nottingham.

In fact I did hear a couple of tracks earlier that day when I arrived at Born To Destruct HQ for a pre-road trip luncheon!, and as any decent appetiser should, this whetted my appetite and I was looking forward to seeing them in the flesh! (they did not disappoint!

Check out the review at www.studsandpunks.co.uk or www.myspace.com/amancalledmoose (that's got the shameless self promotion out of the way!)



Since getting my grubby little hands on this CD it has seldom been out of the CD Player. It has been a very long time since an album has taken over my listening pleasure like Snake Oil Salesman has (and it has at time bordered on the obsessive.) It simply blew me away.

What makes it so good? Well crafted songs. An energy that oozes from every pore of every song. A quality band delivering quality product. In truth no more than you should accept from a band that does this 'full-time' and have been together for a decade or so.

From the off Lauren (Vox) delivers every note with a passion that must rip her very soul from her body. Yes there is a lot of shouty even screamy vocal delivery, and again yes I do prefer my female singers slightly less 'full on' but here is where the class comes in to play. There is still control even at its full extent, and the voice underneath all that power is allowed to come out to play. It is the experience and ability that set this album apart.

More than ably assisted by (for this recording) by Steve (Guitar), Mike (Bass), Dustan (Drums) and Hannah (Guitar & B/Vox)*. There are some truly wonderful bass lines, and I love the grimy, gritty bass sound. The drums work intelligently with the bass lines and the dual guitars really thicken and give depth to the overall sound with some sublime over driven riffs and chords.
*(since recording this album Hannah has left the band and they are currently playing as a four piece)

So let's take a closer look at what's on offer;



ALL HAIL – starts with a dirty grungy sounding guitar intro and roughly 12 seconds in Lauren's vocal explodes in to hearing as she rasps out the opening lines with added venom, “God made man in his image. Who's Image am I?” An angst accentuated rant against a still predominately male oriented world. This lady should run for President as I have no doubt she would butt the necessary heads and attain what is only right and fair!

SNAKE OIL (SALESMAN) – The back cover lists the song as SNAKE OIL and the lyric sheet inside has the song as SNAKE OIL SALESMAN. Tssh! The opening bass line is one of sublime elegance. It rumbles like distant thunder, with bursts of guitar that cut through like lightning. A rant against those that talk the talk but don't walk the walk and rely in smoke and mirrors to hide reality. The vocal delivery is more sultry and a little less angry, but still full of passion and emotion. Two tracks in and this has the makings of best track on the CD.

TAKE ME ON – Out and Out full density rock. The guitars wail and weave to good effect. The bass and drums feel like they're running to catch up. There are a couple of passages were, guitars and bass are in unison with a double kick bass drum type rhythm which adds to the overall frenetic feel. The vocal is delivered with impassioned pleading – Don't Mess With ME! Take me on you do it right, I wont be one of your conquests. Trust me, you'd have to be brave, stupid or drunk to argue!

PUSHIN' ON – Another full on rocker. This time exploring the experiences of those that find that the only they feel than can cope is to find the exit. They lyrics are written as if they are from 1st hand experience of an observer, the person who sees the worth of the other persons existence and that all they need to do is have a little faith in themselves. With the exception of the bridge towards the end of the song, the more lyrical quality of Lauren's vocal is on show, the final vocal passage is almost demonic in its ferocity. Emotive – both the song and its subject matter.

DEATH DRESS – If you were hoping for a lightening of the mood your out of luck. An angst ridden, venom spitting, ear splitting, siren wailing, song about finding the perfect dress, and not just any dress, this is the one to be laid to rest wearing! A bit too much angst, venom and wailing for my tender ears.

LOW INCOME LOVE – back to a more traditional rock foundation for this one and the same could be said for the theme of the song. On the surface a song about the only thing you need is love and money is secondary. Dig underneath the surface and there is a darker, seedier side to this song>. No money for rent, power, food, the eviction notice has been served but still there is cash for booze fags (sorry cigarettes) and other things. One of the few songs on the album we a recognisable guitar solo. Another thought provoking slice of rock n roll that's done well.

FIRE AWAY – This is one of my favourite tracks on the CD. From the vocal delivery, to the driving rhythm generated by the bass and the drums, which blends with a simple but effective guitar part that chugs with menace below the surface. There is an infectious quality about this song. Listen out for the deliciously rasping bass sound it adds a touch more piquancy to the mix. Quality.

CORNER WALKER – on the other hand this is another song about the darkness of the soul. The figure in the song is seen as a tramp, a slut, a scarlet woman, yet they don't see the rage and the passion within waiting to burst forth. Gorgeously Grim and Grungy.

TAKING BACK THE NIGHT – this is up there with the title track in the battle for the best song on the album. It show cases the band at its very best. Great vocal work, superb bass lines that are underlined by honest drum work and the guitars play off this foundation with power that adds the right touches in the right places. Once more the tempo is driven by a raspy fast picked bass around which the other elements build and produce an excellent result.



WHITE – and finally! White Lies, White Lines, White Pills all turn red is the message in this tale of everyday folk and the 'lies' we tell each and ourselves. A rock n roll standard that has been unfurled by many a band. But this is far from standard rock n roll. If I had to pick a track that truly defines the band it would be this one. The vocal range is on show, the way the band behind the voice add power, drive and direction, and create something greater than the sum of its parts.

As I said at the top of the review this album has really got under my skin and brought me an immense amount of pleasure in a way no other punk album has for a long time. AND MAY BE THAT'S THE THING. Is this punk? To me this is more reminiscent of Heavy Rock/Power Rock.

There are undeniable elements that are punkish, the vocal delivery, the refraining from guitar solos etc. I guess you can argue the case for both sides. However having seen the band live, they are capable of crossing the divide as it were and would be equally at home in either camp. WHATEVER this is an excellent album from an excellent band. This is quality that comes from years of playing so anything less than excellence would be cheating us and themselves.

I do have to mention one thing that irked. The secret hidden track at the end of WHITE ? Apart from the fact that you have to wait around 6 mins for it to make an appearance, when it does I think WHY? OK as an unlisted track I guess it isn't meant to be taken too seriously, but I find that strange given the effort and care to produce a first rate album.

If you have not yet seen The Front they are in the UK for a few more days yet so make an effort to try and catch them before the go back to the states.

http://www.myspace.com/stilldyinguk
and
http://www.myspace.com/thefront

Both these links will give you more details about the tour dates and the band.This is no snake oil, this is the genuine article.

Respectfully Submitted By



A Man Called Moose

Bass drum, slow strummed power chords, a couple of bass notes and then stop…….Go!!

That is the Great start to this rip roaring adrenaline fuelled festering drooling blast of 80s Hard and fast Punk that is called track one or PSYCHO VIGILANTE I love the section when it drops down to bass, drums and vocals too, just has me salivating and wondering where it will go from here, Great start to the CD.



BUY SOME SHIT follows straight in we go to another full on bastard, for me this is the first time I notice the drums seem a little subdued in the mix and need to be raised slightly (Only slightly don’t want a destructors job haha) well this has it all great words, good subject, nice shouted backing vocals and a fist in the air ending chant of “Buy some shit!”

GLASSED next and again another turbo charged 1.56 of high speed Punk rock this stuff is not gonna be favoured by all and maybe if you remember the angry 80s and the reams of bands tearing it up you will have a closer fondness for it, so that’s me hooked haha, like the click stick timing in this song by the very accomplished drummer, but then these guys are all seasoned punks and having seen them in various of there forms I can say they always give 110% on the energy and passion front and you cant knock that!! anyway back to the CD.



Next up is STILL HAUNTING ME which enters with a surprise lull and a slower start jaunting along following the chugged guitar riff and verse one sees this continue, but then GO off we go back in to full on arse ripping power pushing the limit and making Chiz sing without breathing for even longer haha, I am amazing I can still hear what he is singing even at this speed, back to a slowed chug in the middle where it sounds like Mick is struggling to chug and fly along but soon its back to business as usual.

Next on offer is WE DON’T WANT, WE DON’T NEED a fucking bastard shit of a full on blitzkrieg of a track right out of the 80s including references to Maggie and Ronnie haha a great track and live this has the punks frothing and throwing themselves all over Great track and has my heart jack hammering……hopefully its just excitement? If I don’t finish this review you will know it was something else haha

So quickly onto the next onslaught WORSHIP OR DIE now this is a track pronouncing there love of God and religion and how now they have found Jesus there lives are fulfilled and they are at peace, Yea like fuck it is, great riff rolls along at a little slower pace but still full powered with a catchy sing along chorus and woahs galore it’s a goodie and Live it cuts it big time.



DEATH RACE next enter guitar riff and away it goes another full on rip roaring track in the vein of most of the others but for me this one doesn’t have anything that really grabs my nuts and squeezes them till they bleed, so at 2.05 soon onto the next we go leaving this one that is ok but nothing special for me, Not so with next track:

MORE BEER makes me thirsty this one stop start verses interspersing singing with music leads to the simple chant of more beer more beer and the off beat gap on one of the verses is genius haha ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST next oh my god my nuts!!! This cunt of a track has just squeezed every last drop of life out of them its got it all fast pace, chorus as catchy as a cold and a subject we can all relate to in some form, love it.

MAYBE TODAY its funny this is another prime example of a song that starts and you go Oh yea I know how this is gonna go but then they throw in a few surprises and you end up with an enjoyable Punk Pistol firing like a madman in Hungerford, a slower pace mid way is good too, keep it coming you septic buggers!!



NOIZE AINT DEAD what the hell is this about? Haha a statement of intent in true Exploited but from the midlands style its an anthemic racket and a good addition to this piss pot of Noize.

Lastly track 12 IM PSYCHO it’s the shuffle speed disco beat that turns ya head after the jackhammer of the other tracks this throws you off and I like it, interspersed with the jackhammer just so you don’t feel left out, this is a short sharp ugly, festering, rotting, congealed, pustule, vomit drenched mutherfucker of a great way to end the CD nice one lads.

Well there you go full on balls to the wall, simple 80s punk noize, played with passion, fun and an absolute love of Punk life that’s what is on this small disc if that’s your want this is a Diamond and at the Punkcheap price of £2 it should be in all collections.



So go see Chiz and the septic buggers Mick, Rich and Pete (Rickenbacker God) soon and not only will you be able to get a quality CD for a very good price you will also see a high energy full on performance and meet 4 very septic sick bastards who also happen to be 4 very Good guys(street cred ruined)

These septic encased ranted words by



Woodstock Punkrock