CRUSHDOWN
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
What would Motley Crue have sounded like if they were a grunge band? Probably a little like Crushdown, whose CD, "Like This," is an interesting metal/grunge hybrid that rocks with a heavy metal crunch and songwriting that could easily have sprung from Seattle without all the angst you might expect.
Crushdown works best when they're rocking hard and heavy and that's most of the time. When they slow down and get a little touchy-feely (on "Monday" and "Dosage" for example), the tracks aren't as strong, although they still have a pretty steady kick to them. "Dosage," in fact, sounds a little like an older Cheap Trick ballad, where things are just a little weird but not weird enough to put you off completely. The band never goes too far in the opposite direction either - Crushdown never strays into Slayer or even Metallica territory.
Fans of grunge-era metal will probably enjoy Crushdown's "Like This." Those who despise the grunge sound had best stay away.
"Like This" was produced by Jason Bieler.
Crushdown: Justin Raymond - lead vocals; Bruce Sonneborn - lead & rhythm guitar; Ricky Sanders - drums; Pete Dembrowski - lead & rhythm guitar, background vocals; Tim Benjamin - bass, background vocals.
For more information, check out http://www.crushdown.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 © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 15:20:25 -0400
.
