Rye Coalition - Curses

Yeah this album rocks. Track after track of guitars and shouting and drums and sing-along-for-stupid choruses. It's music that's being churned out of some rock'n'roll factory by wannabe mods with slightly more expensive haircuts and influential friends like, for example, Dave Grohl who produced this album. It's fast, it's fun, it's loud and it's nowhere near as bad as half the crap claiming to be 'real' rock'n'roll but after a few listens, it gets pretty boring. The lead vocalist lacks that ability for true metal screeching, and there's only so many power chords and solos you can pack into one album without it degenerating into pastiche. If you're a fan of AC/DC, Guns'N'Roses or Iron Maiden you might like this since it sounds just like a decent tribute band. Otherwise avoid, except if you are one for eccentric song titles like Achilles' Wheelchair and Vietnam Veterinarian. [Xavier Toby]