REUBEN
"Very
Fast Very Dangerous" (Xtra Mile; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Reuben's "Very Fast, Very Dangerous" is really neither. Although some of the tracks herein rock fairly hard, many do not. And nothing on the CD goes far enough alternative-wise to earn it a "very dangerous" description either.
That isn't to say it isn't an enjoyable listening experience. It is. The band is obviously talented and their songwriting and musical performance highly emotional. When the music is fast and charismatic, "Very Fast" really shines. This is when the album is at its most lively with solid hard rock songs like "A Kick in the Mouth" to the flat out punk rock of "Lights Out" to the System of a Down rage of "Return of the Jedi."
When the band brings it down a notch with a ballad or song about heartbreak, things obviously slow down but - unlike too many other bands - these kinds of songs on "Very Fast" sound honest and real, rather than just songs generated to garner radio airplay.
Reuben may not appeal to those who like their music plain, simple and well within the norm but those looking for something a little different -- though not very fast or very dangerous -- may like what the find here.
For more information, check out www.wordsfromreuben.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 Nov 2024 13:00:26 -0500
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