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JOLLY ROGER
"Cactus"
(Self-released; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I've really enjoyed Jolly Roger's "Cactus" since it showed up in my mailbox a few weeks ago. It's a heavily guitar-driven album with vocals that are aggressive yet still very accessible. The songwriting is skillful; the band manages to merge irresistibly sing-a-long verses and choruses with music that's hard and heavy in the style of ... well, maybe they come closest to the guitar sound of Alice In Chains. That's really impressive since the band sings entirely in Spanish and I flunked Spanish in high school!
The record is great sounding production-wise, too, especially since -- as far as I can tell -- it was recorded in the band's rehearsal space rather than a full blown studio.
"Cactus" is a modern hard rock album that genuinely kicks some ass. I look forward to hearing more from Jolly Roger in the hopefully not-too-distant future.
Jolly Roger: Xavi Juan - guitar and vocals; Francesc Bes- guitar and background vocals; David Ruz- bass; Tonio Hidalgo - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/jollyrogertheband.
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 © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
