HANDSOME
"Handsome"
(Epic Records; 1997)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Handsome, the 1997 result of the combination of Tom Capone (ex-Quicksand) and Peter
Mengede (ex-Helmet). This self-titled disc offers twelve tight, if sometimes unspectacular
tracks of New York City-styled aggression.
Produced by Terry Date of Soundgarden fame, the disc offers a couple of spectacular
moments: "Needles" displays a rushing nervousness fueled by paranoia that creeps
under the surface of almost everyone. "Dim The Lights" is another track that
deserves attention and "Waiting" has its moments, too. Generally speaking the
music is best described as "driving" and "insistent." The music isn't
as hard as punk or hardcore, not as clinically precise as Helmet, but it keeps the
listeners' attention with efficient use of stops/pauses and big bass and drum sounds.
The band, as it appears on this record, includes Capone and Mengede on guitars, Eddie
Nappie on bass, Pete Hines (ex-Murphy's Law) on drums and newcomer Jeremy Chatelain on
vocals.
Tom Capone has returned to guitar duties in Quicksand and Jeremy Chatelain has moved on to
an outfit called Jets To Brazil and is now playing bass and singing backup. Current
information on Mengede, Hines, and Nappi is hard to find; write me if you know of there
whereabouts and what bands they might be in.
Handsome was dropped after this debut and most of the band members went off to
do other projects so it is unlikely the band will grace the world with new
material.
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 © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised:
28 Oct 2024 12:36:40 -0500
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