Groop Dogdrill: Half Nelson
Label: Mantra
Release Date: 1998
Review Date: 2000
Apart from having a name that is impossible to remember how to spell correctly, these guys sound like Girls VS Boys meet the Supersuckers. Track one, Lovely Skin, takes off like a concord jet full of rockstars pissing in th aisle. It’s one of those rare songs that captures a set of circumstances and emotions perfectly. This particular set of set of circumstances and emotions happens to be the often lamented libido, but the approach in Lovely Skin is anything but pedestrian. Cocksucker Blues is jaded rock and very heavy. Gentlemans Soiree adds a little groove and swagger to the record. Lifestyle contains the best (practically the only) succesful use of the words “Punk” and “Rock” in a song. By the time you get to Oily Rag you start to realise that this record is more about setting different moods than actually saying something. That wouldn’t be so bad if everything didn’t run together. Half way through the album it starts becomming indestinguishable. It might be one of those deals where the sound is so distinct that everything sounds the same. Maybe it’s because the intensity and pace doesn’t let up for the most part. “Jackie O” is a kinder gentler “Lovely Skin,” and the album ends on a high note with “Silver Boots.” I’m guessing that these guys put on a blistering live show. I’m sure their fans are appreciative. This album is a tough call because the good songs are so strong, but the album is hard to pay attention to all in one listen. The CD book is mostly just song titles and artwork. Otherwise all you’re left with mix tape material. Where are these guys from? They also have a cool old school pic of a kid grabbing on a frontside grind with one wheel out.
Half Nelson: B-
Online action: beggars.com
Snail mail: Mantra Recordings 580 Broadway Suite 580 NY NY 10012
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