Reviewed by Graham Jovanovic

A punk-like adrenaline rush marks the opening of the second album by this LA-based foursome with a heartfelt declaration by singer/songwriter Rob Goraieb of "I'm mad into the force".  Indeed, "mad" would be an appropriate description for this onslaught of manic power chords, frenzied bass and smashing cymbals.  Such is their unabashed somewhat cathartic zeal that the pace is never allowed to wane.  The passionate embrace made by this band towards the audience is epitomised by moments of high drama in "The Way" (brilliantly complemented by Robert Watson's Led Zeppelin styled string arrangement) and deep angst in "Take Me Away".  All this may not prove overly cheerful but is nevertheless compelling 'til we are drawn to the concluding "Starface", easily the most experimental track of the album, including reverses and back feeding guitar amidst a trip hopping drumbeat.  This is unique to other tracks which stay rooted musically with references to punk, mod and rock styles that interestingly pay homage to European music despite the undisguised American tinted vocals.  If any quibble is to be made it is that maybe Rob Goraieb's beguiling unique world view, which is sometimes wonderfully tangential as in the case of ".and I know I'm alive 'cause I'm already gone", is sometimes in danger of waxing lyrical.  Nevertheless, this is a worthy bombastic attack that deserves to be played loud and sung with the passion with which it is performed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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