THE DRAGONS
"Sin Salvation" (Gearhead Records)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It's often said that the problem with too much punk rock (in addition to the dreaded spongerock phenomenon) - and, indeed, some heavy metal - is the lack of guitar solos. The Dragons "Sin Salvation" addresses that problem directly, putting a blistering lead guitar directly behind the band's raucous, fast-paced and highly energetic rock'n'roll.
Mixing the fury of hard'n'fast punk rock with nearly never-ending lead guitar fretwork, "Sin Salvation" rages along for its 36-minute running time like an out-of-control train ... yet the CD never slips into chaos. Each tune starts out at a furious pace and just races masterfully toward its conclusion. Maybe the train comparison isn't quite right - what about a well-tuned race car instead? (The CD is on Gearhead Records, after all). The Dragons are a tight, talented band and have been playing their brand of fiery rock'n'roll for over a decade now. That musical experience is apparent throughout "Sin Salvation."
It could be argued that there's not a lot of variety on the songs contained herein - but so what? The CD does what it's supposed to do throughout its 11 tracks - kick you consistently in the ass and not stop until the last note has faded.
The Dragons: Mario Escovedo - vocals, guitar; Ken Mochikoshi Horne - lead guitar; Steve Rodriguez - bass; Jarrod Lucas - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.gearheadrecords.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 © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Nov 2024 13:33:10 -0500.