Rough Edge: Authority Zero CD Reviews

AUTHORITY ZERO

"The Tipping Point" (Hardline Entertainment; 2013)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Authority Zero are punk rock, with emphasis on the "rock" part. They aren't those snotty-nosed punk kids who smoke up your garage with blunts and bad music, these guys have been around since 1994. This is their sixth disc and they show no signs of stopping at all. It's been a while since I've heard a punk pop band that I could get into but Authority Zero have filled that void.

These guys have found a home with Hardline Entertainment and they will be on tour ripping up your town so check them out if they come through, otherwise, you'll be picking up the empty beer bottles after they've gone. Their pop punk style is in your face and they don't care if it offends you -- they actually delight in that fact. Every now and then a 311 sound will emerge. It's hard, heavy and it's music for the masses. The guitar has plenty of hooks and the solos are jabs. Twelve songs of finger flippin' fun. Authority Zero even pull out their talent for reggae and smooth things down with an island vibe.

For more information, check out http://www.authorityzero.com.

"Rhythm + Booze" (Suburban Noize; 2006)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

It seems that Authority Zero gets a kick from being unable to be pigeonholed and, thanks to this 15-track acoustic gig recorded live in front of a hometown crowd, it's getting increasingly harder to place this band in a box.

Are they a third-rate Sublime rip-offs? A post-grunge ska hodgepodge and ska? Or a West Coast punk troupe? Well, all of the above, actually, as the beer-trodden audience enjoys every note of the outfit's STP meets Unwritten Law by way of Marley-esque reggae-fied rock.

Laid back and soulful, "Rhythm + Booze" is a startlingly crisp recording capturing a band genuinely kicking back and having fun.

For more information, check out www.authorityzero.com.

"A Passage In Time" (Lava Records; 2002)

Reviewed by Snidermann

There is nothing quite like listening to a great punk band for the first time and that is exactly the experience I had with Authority Zero's "A Passage In Time." This CD kicked ass from the very opening moments and doesn't let up until 43 minutes and 13 songs later.

Authority Zero is explosively fast music, blasting from the CD at such a furious pace that I found myself ... well, moving ... and let me tell you people, I don't fucking dance. There is a calypso-like style (!) that floats throughout this release that puts a cool and slightly laid-back overtone to the CD.

The songs are well written and presented with such flare that I am very glad I got a chance to find this totally awesome band. The time I spent listening to this CD (and it was a lot!) was well worth it.

Authority Zero: Jason DeVore - lead vocals; Bill Marcks - guitar and vocals; Jeremy Wood - bass and vocals; Jim Wilcox - drums.

For more information, check out www.authorityzero.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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