BRAD JENDZA & THE ANDROIDS
"Brad
Jendza & The Androids" (Streamline Records)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Brad Jendza & The Androids is Brad Jendza's recorded realization of material that wasn't appropriate for his full-time (and space alien) band Jendza. Brad Jendza & The Androids is basically a one-man show with some help from his Jendza bandmates and assorted associates from the Detroit music scene.
After a few samples of this self-titled CD I was confused as to how exactly I should describe it. Futuristic power pop? KISS-inspired rock madness with Ziggy Stardust influences? Spacey hard rock with classic pop DNA spliced in? Somehow all three descriptions suffice and are insufficient at the same time.
With 23 tracks in over 71 minutes of material it could be easy to simply call "Brad Jendza & The Androids" a clearing of the closet so to speak of Brad Jendza’s excess material not fit for his main gig. But that would be too easy. There are some quality tunes here despite the length and overwhelming variety. There is not a doubt in my mind that a 12 track, 40-minute version of this material could make an impact at college radio or the few radio stations daring enough to play non-mainstream material.
"Brad Jendza & The Androids" seems perfect for a long, but familiar drive, in the late Spring with the windows down and fresh air whipping through your hair.
Fans of Nuno Bettencourt's songs as a solo artist (not his technical proficiency), Saigon Kick's Jason Bieler, and alternative radio's quirkiness would easily appreciate "Brad Jendza & The Androids."
"Brad Jendza & The Androids" was produced by Brad Jendza and Tony Hamera. The sound quality is very good and i appreciate the care that went into the sound of the songs even if the general reach of the material didn't meet my ridiculously high standards for metal, hard rock, and all things rock'n'roll.
Brad Jendza & The Androids: Brad Jendza on vocals, guitar, synth and piano; Lawrence Ricard on drums; Danny Methric and Seth Bawcum guest on one track each with guitar solos; John Hatcher, Candice Behar, and Randy W. Hall contribute spoken word.
For more information visit http://www.geocities.com/jendza00/.
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.
Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 14:51:32 -0400
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