THE CLAY PEOPLE
"Waking
the Dead" (Ryko; 2007)
Reviewed by Snidermann
I reviewed The Clay People's self-titled CD a few years ago and the band impressed me then. They have impressed me once again with their new release, "Waking The Dead."
The Clay People use music to paint a complex picture that is challenging but a joy to try and figure out. "Waking the Dead" features fifteen tunes that range from mellow to head-banging and everything is done exceptionally well.
The band has grown tremendously since I reviewed their last CD. There is just enough techno sound here to keep things interesting but never to the point of being overpowering. The vocals are a bit strange at times; however, after awhile you realize that they sound exactly as they should sound. The match of music and vocals is perfect.
"Waking the Dead" is for real. I will admit, there was a tune or two that didn't capture and hold me and some that will take me time to completely understand. In my book, that just makes this CD all the more interesting.
"Waking the Dead" just may be one of the best CDs of 2007.
For more information, check out http://claypeople.com.
"The Clay People"
(Mercury/Slipdisc; 1998)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Just when I thought there was nothing special fresh about metal these days … bang, I get "The Clay People." This CD has helped redefine metal as I see it. Editor R. Scott thought The Clay People were kind of different and that I might like it - and let me tell you that was just the case.
The Clay People's music explodes right from the first chord and continues to abuse your eardrums through 11 tunes and nearly 48 minutes of continuous heavy music. I connected instantly with what The Clay People (TCP) were saying and how they said it; a loud, hard, in your face, don’t give a shit, maelstrom of bright, intelligent rock'n'roll.
I am a big fan of the two guitar system of metal music (Aerosmith, pre-reunion Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, to name just a few) and The Clay People reinforce that system nicely. Excellent musicianship, combined with brilliant lyrics and strong storylines make The Clay People one hell of a band. I can't fucking wait to see this group live!
If you like your metal intense, angry, loud and dripping with attitude, The Clay People are right up your alley. Definitely one of best, one-of-a-kind bands of the year.
The Clay People are Daniel Peet vocals, Dan Dinsmore drums, Brian Mcgarvey guitar, Mike Guzzardo guitar and D. Patrick Walsh, bass guitar.
You can check out The Clay People at http://www.claypeople.com or their record company at http://www.slipdisk.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.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 15:20:25 -0400.
