Rough Edge: Electric Frankenstein CD Reviews

ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN

"We Will Bury You" (TKO; 2004)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

New Jersey rock'n'rollers Electric Frankenstein have been plugging away for over ten years with their blend of hard-edged, punky, rawk music, and "We Will Bury You" commemorates that decade with a two-disc, 31-track collection of cover songs the band has amassed.

Reading like a Who's-Who of rock, everyone from the obvious (Misfits, Motorhead, Dead Kennedys) to the obscure (F-Word) to the unexpected (Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd) is covered. While a few of the covers are a bit sloppy, they're done with the pure unabashed spirit that embodies many of the original artist's recordings.

Electric Frankenstein is the kind of band that isn't shy about wearing its influences on its sleeves. Having learned from the masters of rock, this release is a loving tribute to the bands and songs that have helped shape the band into the slash and burn rockers they are today.

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

Track-listing:
1. Wild in the Streets (Garland Jeffreys)
2. High Voltage (AC/DC)
3. Out There (Rik L Rik, F-Word)
4. Not For Sale (Girlschool)
5. Sex & Dying (X)
6. Borneo Jimmy (Dictators)
7. Savage (Fun Things)
8. Your Emotions (Dead Kennedys)
9. 1977 (Clash)
10. Just Like Your Mom (Clash)
11. She's My Bitch (Supersuckers)
12. Frustration (Crime)
13. Platique (DRI)
14. Aces High (Iron Maiden)
15. I was a Punk Before You (The Tubes)
16. Home of the Brave (Naked Raygun)
17. Runnin with the Boss Sound (Generation X)
18. The Chain (Fleetwood Mac)
19. Third Generation Nation (Dead Boys)
20. Sick as a Dog (Aerosmith)
21. We are the Road Crew (Motorhead)
22. Rock N Roll is Dead (Rubinoos)
23. Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd)
24. Tattoo Vampire (Blue Oyster Cult)
25. Frankenstein (NY Dolls)
26. Bad Reputation (Joan Jett)
27. Cocaine Blues (TP Arnold/Johnny Cash)
28. Don't Touch Me, I'm Electric (Bill Nelson's Red Noise)
29. Over at Frankenstein's Place (Rocky Horror Picture Show)
30. Queen Wasp (The Misfits)
31. Coolest Little Monster (Zacherle)

"The Buzz of 1000 Volts!" (Victory; 2001)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Electric Frankenstein are a raw rock'n'roll band whose music could be used as the dictionary definition of what rock should sound like. Roaring guitars, screeching vocals, pounding drums, throbbing bass, simple lyrics. Yeah, it's all a bit of a cliché but that's part of the fun! Actually, with Electric Frankenstein, it's all of the fun.

According to the liner notes, "The Buzz of 1000 Volts" was "recorded in glorious 48-track Analog! Everything heard on this record was done on vintage instruments, amplifiers, foot pedals and recording equipment from the 1940s - 1970s."

See where the band gets their name?

EF use that "vintage" angle not as a gimmick but to get the sound they want. That sound is a plump, rock-hard cacophony of pure rock noise that is virtually irresistible. It's an eccentric but effective cross of the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, KISS, Alice Cooper and AC/DC. And many others as well.

Basically, anyone who likes loud guitars and good times will love Electric Frankenstein.

Electric Frankenstein: Steve Miller - Vocals; Carl Porcaro - 1st Guitar; Sal Canzonieri - 2nd Guitar; Dan Canzonieri - Bass; Rob Sefcik - Drums.

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

"Annie's Grave" (Victory; 2001)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Doing Rough Edge Radio, I have listened to a few Electric Frankenstein tunes; however, "Annie’s Grave" is my first chance to experience the band in a full length release.

The music is raw and gritty, full of life and energy and I know there is a story in there somewhere, but at this time I don’t really know what it is. The musical energy is alive in each tune and the more I listen, the more I like it.

Good rock, and I mean really good rock, is so very hard to find, but Electric Frankenstein does it with apparent ease. The entire project is easy and fun to listen and that is a thing rarely experienced in this industry. This CD will not disappoint any serious rock'n'roll fan.

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

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home