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KABANG
"Degeneration"
(Tribro Records; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Kabang's "Degeneration" is a solid hard rock album from a great rock'n'roll band. "Degeneration" is full of variety with each track sounding different than the next, ranging from an acoustic guitar riff and smooth vocals to hard rock and a mean growl.
As you might guess, "Degenration" is at its best when the band rocks harder. The slower stuff is okay but I like my rock hard. The band's music ability and songwriting talent are apparent throughout and they approach their music with style and gusto. The production is crisp, clear and well-balanced.
It's hard to think of a band that sounds similar to Kabang on "Degeneration" but try to imagine a heavier 80s metal sound with just a hint of funk behind it. If that sounds interesting to you, you've got to check out Kabang.
Kabang: Rob Dexter - vocals; Steve Bell - guitar; Rich Schiabo - bass; Tommy Lou - drums.
For more information, check out www.kabangonline.com or www.myspace.com/kabang.
"Equilibrium"
(Tribro Records; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Kabang's "Equilibrium" is solid rock'n'roll with a sly yet explosive edge that either reeks of originality or is a blatant combination of other successful heavy sounds out there, depending on your point of view. The uniqueness of their surprisingly crushing yet still radio-friendly sound will either impress you with its individuality or disturb you with its familiarity. Regardless of your slant here, "Equilibrium" will probably still have you tapping your toe ... if not happily banging your head.
The CD's best two tracks come first: "Scream" and "Stress Me Out" are both solid rockers that get the CD off to an energetic start. The next four tracks are strong, if not exceptional, while the CD ends with an unnecessary "radio edit" of track #1, "Scream."
It's hard to say from the six original tracks here whether Kabang can continue to deliver the goods with future releases. "Scream" and "Stress Me Out" clearly say they can -- as do additional tracks available on their website -- while the rest of the CD, though easily listenable, isn't so convincing. Still, "Equilibrium" shows a lot of promise, and I look forward to hearing more from the band as their career moves forward.
Kabang: Robert Dexter - lead vocals, bass; Steve Bell - guitars, vocals; Ian Budha - drums.
For more information, check out www.kabangonline.com or www.myspace.com/kabang.
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 © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
