Rough Edge: Officer Roseland CD Reviews

OFFICER ROSELAND

"Stimulus Package" (Self-released; 2009)

You might guess from the first two tracks of "Stimulus Package" that you were listening to a punk rock album. Despite the catchy guitars, clear vocals and hook-laden choruses of both "We Want Your Money" and "Spiders," there's a lurking attitude there ... a sly little smirk, if you will ... that give those first two tracks a punk rock atmosphere.

And then track three, "That's Armageddon," comes along and all but wipes the floor up with you as it pummels you punk rock style (and I mean hardcore punk rock style) and all bets are off. At least until the next track, "Bloo Bloo," which brings to mind "Freedom of Choice"-era Devo.

And so it goes through the remaining tracks of this irresistible album, with its driving guitar sound, its (for the most part) fast-pace and its pop sensibility (which it achieves without ever coming close to selling out). There's really no one genre this CD can fit in and that's a good thing. "Stimulus Package" is edgier than Blink 182 but not as raw as the Sex Pistols and closer to hard rock than The Clash. It's an engaging and entertaining album throughout and one whose songs will stick in your head for hours if not days after listening.

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

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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