Rough Edge: Bishop CD Reviews

BISHOP

"Steel Gods" (Self-produced; 2007)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

In our review of Bishop's previous CD, "Rock On," we said that it seemed that the band had found its niche and were ready to rock harder. "Steel Gods," the latest CD by the band, is proof that we were right.

By far the band's most solid album, "Steel Gods" is much more confident and more aggressive than the band's previous CDs. Loaded with irresistible riffs, monstrous percussion and arena-quality vocals, "Steel Gods" is the CD that should really put this band on the map.

The CD starts out explosively and never lets up. The first track, "Burnout Bitch" rips into action with a Judas Priest-type lick that hooks into your brain and won't come out. "Dancin' on My Grave" is up next and it's a killer (and, no, it has nothing to do with the Motorhead track of nearly the same name). The title track is third and starts out with a galloping riff that's as amazing as it is awesome. "Seed," the fourth track, is the closest the CD gets to a ballad and sounds more like a great STP or Soundgarden tune than anything else.

And so it goes until the final track, "JIB," takes your out with a blistering rage.

Throughout its running time, "Steel Gods" never wanes. If you're looking for modern hard rock that never ventures too far into alternative territory, then you need look no further than Bishop's "Steel Gods."

Bishop: Tommy - Guitars, Lead Vox; Rocky - Drums, Vox; Vinny - (Bass, Vox). (Amazingly, the band is made up of three brothers!)

For more information, check out www.bishopmusic.com or www.myspace.com/bishopmusic.

"Rock On" (Self-produced; 2005)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"Rock On" is a solid rock'n'roll CD from start to finish, running the gamut from punchy, Tom Petty-like rockers (such as "Nature of Things" and "Hey, Kids") to hard rock tracks like "Rock On" to near stoner metal on tracks such as "Hard Rock Nights" or "Running is So Easy."

The band is at its best when they're putting the pedal to the metal. The heavier songs not only rock harder but the band sounds much more confident during these than during the "easier" tunes. The production throughout is impressive, with the heavy bass tones throbbing at just the right frequency to shake your speakers just a little when you turn the volume up to 10.

Bishop sounds much more seasoned and ready to rock harder on with this CD than on their previous ones. With "Rock On," the band seems to have found their niche and their stride and we expect only more good things from them in the future.

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

"Centipede" (Self-produced; 2001)

Reviewed by Snidermann

This self-produced release is as good an example of rock'n'roll as anything out there today. The music is strong and solid, the lyrics heartfelt. It might be reaching to call this stuff heavy metal but its nearly hard enough to qualify. I love this band's unique, unflinching sound and style.

This is by far one of the very best self-produced releases I have ever heard. The production is stellar, the band's performance captivating and the packaging store-worthy. The only draw back I could hear is that sometimes the vocals become a little one-dimensional. But that's a minor complaint, really. The overall effect of Bishop is strong and powerful.

Bishop: Tommy - vocals and guitars; Dan Castle - guitars; The Root - Drum; Buca - bass.

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

"Centipede: The Maxi Single" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Solid rock'n'roll with decided strong songwriting. Bishop, an impressively tight band, play rock-hard music that is seamless and steady. Of the three impressive tracks on this demo, the first, "Get Me Down," is the weakest with a somewhat meandering melody that somehow downplays the powerful music. It's not a bad tune, it's just the weakest of the three here. "'83'" follows and it's probably the demo's strongest track. Great guitar and percussion support the soaring vocals and it all combines to create a song that instantly finds its way into your mind. The three-track demo (called "Centipede: The Maxi-Single") ends with "Got the Way" which is the hardest rocking of the trio. Again the strong talents of the musicians here really stands out.

Bishop: Tommy - vocals and guitars; Dan Castle - guitars; The Root - Drum; Buca - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.bishopmusic.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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