For those readers who think “alternative” music comprises solely
\nof Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and the Smashing Pumpkins, you might want
\nto read today’s other review, ’cause you’re not going to like what
\nI’m going to talk about here.<\/p>\n
Those of you who are still reading, you are the wiser ones – you
\nalready recognize that part of the alternative scene also is made
\nup of bands who continually push the envelope of both the
\nboundaries of the genre and the sonic sctucture of music.<\/p>\n
Today’s lab rats: Stickmen and their new disc
\nLife Colored Green<\/i>, a disc which is challenging, but mostly
\nworth the effort you need to apply towards it.<\/p>\n
This isn’t pure funk like Parliament, nor is it the “joke” funk
\nlike Limbomaniacs tried to pawn off a few years ago. But brothers
\nSteve and Andy Demirjian plow through 13 numbers that dare to walk
\nthe middle ground between both bands while establishing their own
\nvoice in rock.<\/p>\n
Admittedly, this is not something that’s easily digested. Songs
\nlike “Sick Of It All” and “Peace Pipe” are enjoyable, but they’re
\nthe equivalent to a concussion to the unsuspecting listener.
\nHarmonies and guitar solos are tossed out the window, allowing the
\nbrothers Demirjian, bassist Eddie Jo and drummer Shawn Mullen the
\nfreedom to fuck with your mind. And I gotta admit, they do a great
\njob of that.<\/p>\n
C’mon, how can you not love a song called “This Sucks”? (By the
\nway, it doesn’t.) Mullen’s drum solo on “Red 40” puts John Bonham’s
\n“Moby Dick” to shame, while “Under The Influence” could well be the
\nfirst single off
\nLife Colored Green<\/i> based on the strength of the
\nsongwriting.<\/p>\n
But as Kermit The Frog said, “It’s not easy being
\nGreen<\/i>.” Their cover of “Mexican Radio” leaves me – ugh –
\npining for the original version (who
\ndid<\/i> perform the original? I’m drawing a blank), while the
\nsonic sculpture that closes the album, “Guh,” is a little
\ntoo<\/i> experimental for an album like this.<\/p>\n
But if you can get past the initial adjustment to the new sound
\n(it took me four songs before I really started to appreciate the
\nalbum – and I still think I need to give it another listen or two)
\nand you can withstand the few clunkers on the album,
\nLife Colored Green<\/i> proves itself to be a halfway decent
\neffort, if not just a tad bizarre.<\/p>\n
Are Stickmen going to achieve massive success with
\nLife Colored Green<\/i>? Probably not – but that’s just because
\nthe world may not be ready for their style of alternative music.
\nWith a little more experience and patience, Stickmen could be the
\nnew sound in a stagnating genre.<\/p>\n
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