The best record you might not have heard
Written: Apr 25 '01
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The Bottom Line: This record represents everything that is still positive in today's loud music industry, mixing great vocals with heavy beats.
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| tattooedjedi's Full Review: Sonic Jihad [PA] by Snake River Conspiracy |
I like to believe I have my finger on the pulse on what’s new out there in the world of loud music. However, every s often, I find my little Jedi bootie amazed at how some bands slip through the cracks. In fact, some of the best bands sometimes slip through the cracks, that is unless we find ourselves lucky enough to happen upon them either through referral...or by chance.
Chance is exactly how I happened upon Snake River Conspiracy, and since then, I have not been able to stop listening to them.
It was a cold night a couple of months ago when I finally got the opportunity to witness the band A Perfect Circle live. NY’s Hammerstein Ballroom was the sight of the show. I was not planning on getting to the show early enough to see the opening act, but as fate would have it, I got out of work early, and made my way in just as the doors were opening.
A few seconds later, I found myself in the middle of the pit, as the strangely beautiful, and very Zena/Chyna of the WWF like lead singer of Snake River Conspiracy took the stage. From that point through the next forty minutes or so, I found myself dazzled and entertained by the heavy, yet trancey sound. It is rare for a band I had never heard before to make a lasting impression upon me, but for some reason Snake River Conspiracy did, and I found myself wandering over to their merchandise stand to purchase their album.
From the point I got their record, entitled ”Sonic Jihad” home until now, I rarely have stopped listening to it. The record contains nine original tracks and two terrific covers, that really showcase what a terrific band Snake River Conspiracy is.
For the most part, Snake River Conspiracy is essentially a two piece band that features as its core:
Tobey Torres - vocals
Jason Slater -- everything else
The music on ”Sonic Jihad” is an amalgamation of metal, industrial, techno, trance and new wave. To classify it would defeat it. Their music transcends genres, and is quite unique in this day and age where so many bands sound so similar. From the opening thumps of the record’s first tune ”Breed”, their pounding yet strangely soothing and enticingly sexual tone shines through.
Track number five ”Act Your Age” differs from many of the others on the record in that it easily is the most techno sounding. However,
it does not skip a beat in being an overall great song.
The two covers that are present on ”Sonic Jihad” are stylized and different enough from their original versions that they can almost stand on their own originality wise. SRC’s cover of The Cure’s classic tune ”Lovesong” features trancey beats, and a blistering sexual overtone throughout. Robert Smith’s somber tone is still conveyed in their version, however, it is tweaked to the point where SRC’s version almost sounds angry. Tobey’s vocals definitely do this song justice, as it is almost as listenable as the original.
Morrisey and The Smiths are covered as well on the song ”How Soon Is Now?”, which is probably my favorite song from the 1980’s. The eclectic beats thrown underneath the fine vocals make for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping cover that I enjoy each time I hear it. This version should not only entice the die-hard Smiths fan, but the frequent club goer as well. It is a very dancey version that is perfectly crafted.
The full set list on ”Sonic Jihad” is as follows:
1) Breed
2) Casualty
3) You and Your Friend
4) Lovesong
5) Act Your Age
6) More Than Love
7) Strangled
8) Oh Well
9) Somebody Hates You
10) Vulcan
11) How Soon Is Now?
”Sonic Jihad” is available on Reprise Records and is copyright the year 2000.
All and all it is a pretty terrific record.
As far as originality and overall sound goes, I would have to say this ranks as the best record I’ve bought in some time. The sound the band produces is engrossing and entertaining. The music is heavy but not too heavy. Any fan of bands like the aforementioned A Perfect Circle or Tool or Type O Negative definitely should be able to appreciate and take to what Snake River Conspiracy has created on this album.
”Sonic Jihad” is a finely woven tapestry of entertaining music that is very well done, and very well deserving of being listened to. Definitely check this record out, and see them live. However, allow me to warn you, that their live show is quite a bit heavier then their recorded material. Live, they give off a much more thrashy, ala Kittie persona. Live, their roots in 80’s classic new wave come through much more, and provide for a diverse listening experience.
I certainly hope SRC does not fall through the cracks. Definitely give this disc a spin.
...as always thanks for reading.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Romancing
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