MURDOCK
"Amplification"
(The Local Cannery Recording Company; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
If you weren't aware that Murdock hailed from Seattle (yes, the birthplace of grunge), you'd never guess it from their CD, "Amplification." Instead, you'd probably guess that this slab of speedy Southern-fried rock was concocted in Mississippi or perhaps the further reaches of Tennessee or maybe even (gasp!) Texas.
But they're from Seattle, and that's probably what makes them so unique.
Offering a sound that ranges from the racing sounds of Zeke ("Come Along,") to the raunchy thump of Jackyl ("Hey, Motherfucker") to a grueling, live cover of ZZ Top's "Tush," "Amplification" has it all. "Fool Around" even sounds a little like Motorhead. How bad can that be?
Murdock don't offer you anything fresh or original here, but you'd be pissed off if they did. Instead, they just throw a bunch of raw rock'n'roll at you, and you'll be surprised how much of it sticks.
Murdock: Alx Kaschevsky - vocals; Lov Molitch - lead guitar; Jake Hagan - bass guitar; Brandon Ramsey - drums.
For more information, check out www.rockwiththedock.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.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:16:01 -0500.
