Rough Edge: click. CD Reviews

click.

"Gently Unraveling" (Fowl Records; 2002)

The last time I heard and saw click. -- way back in early 2000 -- I was impressed by the band’s ability to merge nu-metal’s pulsating rhythms with an arty flair. I missed the band’s most recent effort, “reKonstruction,” so it’s fair to say that I have a significant piece of the band’s evolution missing from my analysis. Regardless, I happened upon a copy of click.’s latest effort, “Gently Unraveling,” and I did not feel like missing out this time around.

“Gently Unraveling” finds click. focused more on the arty aspects of the band’s sound while retaining their heavy riffing -- albeit in smaller doses. This, of course, means the band is closer to alt metal territory than I’d ever imagined they’d be, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. What is interesting to hear in “Gently Unraveling” is the musical interplay between veteran John Cummings and relative newcomer Marcio Alvarado – it seems like these two have pushed each other to creative realms neither might have explored alone. Bassist Keith Thompson’s effort is the most surprising as his low end serves more as a true support function in the musical tapestry rather than just relentlessly thumping low-end lacking in creativity.

click. are a woefully under-appreciated band that has never gotten its share of positive press. But methinks the band’s creative powers would be compromised if widespread success ever comes their way.

“Gently Unraveling” would be appreciated by fans of the alt metal genre who like a healthy dose of emotion and mood with their heavy metal.

“Gently Unraveling” was produced by click. and Frank Marchand (Nothingface, Jimmy’s Chicken Shack).

click. is John Cummings on guitar and vocals, Marcio Alvarado on guitars, Keith Thompson on bass, and Aaron Edmumds on drums.

For more information visit the official click. website at http://www.clickband.net.

"Failure" (Supertone Records; 1997)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Baltimore's favorite hard rock band deliver solid tunes on their second full-length disc. click employ a modern touch to their hard rock songs that carefully display emotion and intelligence. Imagine the discipline of Helmet with better vocals and a touch of arty guitar work and you get an idea of what click have to offer.

Don't let the title of the disc fool you, this is a smashing success. The band does not disappoint in their effort to generate energy and the ability to get your body moving. click are very concise with their songs leaving no wasted space. Constantly evolving, click are an intriguing addition to the musical landscape.

The strongest track is "Wrong" with it's rolling bass line, introspective lyrics, and defiant edge. "Hand To Mouth" presents a more groove-oriented sonic blast with a catchy chorus hook blended into the riff that's worth writing home about. "990 lbs." starts with rumbling bass over a watery guitar background before hammering its main riff home in grand style. The track "Nothing" has a great left channel, right channel mix of the guitars - really cool stuff. The hidden gem on the disc may be "Slave" - this tune presents an aggressive verse riff stacked behind a sludgy chorus that proves to be a super juxtaposition of fast and slow working in complete harmony.

Produced by Drew Mazurek and click, the record has enough clear production to allow the band to distinctly offer their musical vision on their own terms. Mazurek, a local legend in Baltimore, offers a steady hand on this 1997 work.

The band (as they appear on the disc) includes John Cummings on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Kornke on guitar, Keith Thompson on bass, and Mike Luca on drums. The band has since replaced Luca with Aaron Edmunds on drums.

For more information visit the official click. website at http://www.clickband.net.

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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