Rough Edge: Famous CD Reviews

FAMOUS

"All the Wicked" (Burning Records; 2006)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"All the Wicked" is a solid rock'n'roll record in the vein of Audioslave and, to a lesser degree, Soundgarden. The songs here have just a hint of grunginess about them, but never enough so that you'd think of them as grunge music. They never quite reach into heavy metal territory, either, staying instead closer to an adult hard rock sound that again brings to mind Audioslave or perhaps Velvet Revolver.

The guitars are heavy and driving throughout and the atmosphere of the entire album is disquieting, almost sinister. Lead vocalist Ben Phillips, like Chris Cornell, has one of those voices with which he can sing sweetly at times but really belt it out when necessary.

At first glance, you might think that you're listening to a Christian band, with the first track's oft-repeated chorus of "Jesus on Your Mind" and song titles like "All the Wicked," "Heaven Will Come" and "Give Me Your Soul" but, as you listen, the lyrics become much more graphic so that probably isn't the case.

The band's influences are felt throughout the album's running time, ranging from he aforementioned grunge tinges to Beatles-esque chord structures ("All the Wicked") and the almost Jim Croce feel of the last track, "Give Me Your Soul." But don't let my Beatles and Jim Croce comparisons turn you away; "All the Wicked" delivers a kick from beginning to end.

Famous: Ben Phillips - guitars, vocals; Mark Damon - bass, vocals; Jamie Perkins - drum.

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

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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