Rough Edge: Ditchwater CD Reviews

DITCHWATER

"Persistence" (Self-produced; 2005)

While "Persistence" may not be another giant step forward for Ditchwater, it's definitely not a step back.

The four songs on this CD are just as heavy, just as solid and just as entertaining as the band's previous work and at the same time seem to show the least change in the band's sound from previous releases. In other words, "Persistence" sounds closer to "Sees Me Through" than "See Me Through" sounded to "The Stupendous Yappi." While that's not a bad thing by any means -- Ditchwater has an awesome sound all their own - there is a certain lack of freshness here that the band typically delivered before.

That being said, "Persistence" is certainly no slouch. The four tracks here are driving, guitar-driven tunes that manage to remain heavy while not driving away any possibility of airplay. The band still shares that trait with the likes of Godsmack and Disturbed.

Bottom line: If you're a fan of Ditchwater's previous work, you'll find "Persistence" just as entertaining. And I'm still betting that this band will one day soon break in a big way.

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

"Persistence" (Self-produced; 2005)

Reviewed by Snidermann

As I have said throughout my career in reviewing music, I can certainly understand why bands have to cut 4-track CDs but it takes more than four tracks to get a good feel about a band.

That being said, Ditchwater's "Persistence" is good, solid rock'n'roll that brings to mind the harder edged work of Nickelback. The big difference is that Ditchwater is better. Still, the music market is saturated with this kind of music and there is really nothing new here. Frankly, I've heard enough of this kind of overly familiar rock.

Yes, Ditchwater is better than most, but there are just too many out there like them. That may not be their fault but the fact remains.

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

"Sees Me Through" (Self-produced; 2003)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Ditchwater is back with another excellent EP containing three songs that solidly deliver the band's powerful rock'n'roll sound.

I hate to keep going back to previous reviews, but I described "The Stupendous Yappi" - the last Ditchwater CD I wrote about here - as a blend of Disturbed and Rob Zombie. That sound has skewed away a bit from the Rob Zombie portion and moved more toward Disturbed meets Godsmack. And that's not a bad thing.

The three songs on this CD, "It's Over," "Sees Me Through" and "Thankless," are all guitar-heavy rockers, running at a tempo that's hard and heavy yet not too powerful to get the band radio airplay. "Thankless" also features a raging guitar solo that may leave your stereo speakers smoking. Vocalist Mike Meadows really shines on this CD as well - his voice is strong and versatile and his unique style - best described as (shockingly enough) falling somewhere between David Draiman and Sully Erna - is one of this EP's many highlights.

It's been interesting watching Ditchwater grow over the years. The band just keeps getting better. What impresses me most is that - in addition to the tightening of their performance and the honing of their songwriting skills - Ditchwater remains consistent and confident. Their music is as good or better than anything the major record labels are pushing on us.

Hey, Record Labels - how about giving Ditchwater a well-deserved shot!

Ditchwater: Mark Anderson - guitarist; J.J. Romero - drummer; Skube - bass; Mike Meadows - vocals.

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

"The Stupendous Yappi" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

With "The Stupendous Yappi" Ditchwater shows a marked improvement over their first CD, and their first CD was far from bad. In my review of their first CD, I called Ditchwater "power metal." However, without digging that CD out of the enormous plastic pile that makes up most of my office, I have to imagine that I was mistaken. "The Stupendous Yappi" is taut, effective modern metal that reminds me of Disturbed with a little bit of Rob Zombie influence. (Yeah, I know - pretty cool, huh?).

This five track EP contains four songs that are tight, fast-paced rockers. Each boasts powerful, razor sharp guitar riffs, vocals that are strong and emotional and impressive musicianship throughout. The fifth track (#3 on the CD) slows down a little but still hits hard.

Ditchwater's songwriting ability has also taken a step up here. These are songs you could hear on the radio today, and songs that would generate repeat requests, not to mention record sales. Three of these songs were produced by Chris Djurcic (Soil, Novembers Doom).

Judging from the improvement from their previous, also excellent, "Breakdown" and this CD, I can't wait to see what Ditchwater comes up with next!

Ditchwater: Mark Anderson - guitarist; Jerry Romero - drummer; Bret Basick - bass; Mike Meadows - vocals.

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

"Breakdown" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Chicago's Ditchwater play modern power metal with serious punch. "Breakdown" is four tracks of solid, guitar-heavy rock'n'roll. Ditchwater's sound is as aggressive as anything out there today while still maintaining control and paying more than lip service to melody. The band is musically tight and the performance inspired. Our favorite track is #4, "Fragments," which boasts a driving, heavy beat and crunchy, mosh-able guitar.

Ditchwater: Vocals - Eric Chez; Guitar - Mark Anderson; Bass - Bret Basick; Drums - Jerry Romero

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