36 CRAZYFISTS
"The Tide and Its Takers" (Ferret; 2008) Reviewed by
Mike SOS 36 Crazyfists have been a mainstay in the
metalcore genre for over a decade and with good reason, as this Alaskan outfit
manages to perpetually release quality music that illuminates both their heavy
and harmonic side . The latest 11-track endeavor, "The Tide
and Its Takers," is no exception, continuing this venerable squad's soaring
melodic metal style with solid results. Armed with a versatile vocalist in Brock
Lindow -- who can go from clean singing to jugular-grabbing screaming at the
drop of a dime -- and led by the grossly underrated guitar assault of Steve
Holt, songs like the ferocious opener "The All Night Lights" and the jagged
"Clear The Coast" (with guest vocals by Twelve Tribes' Adam Jackson) set
moshpits ablaze with bludgeoning force. Meanwhile the airtight low end bassline
locking in with the flurry of fearless drums and perfectly aligned guitar fills
and rhythms on "Northern November" display the group's superb chops as the
haunting "The Back Harlow Road" and "When Distance is the Closest Reminder"
render the wicked infectious hooks and crushing groove melding this unit
specializes in. Transcending metalcore limitations with
clever compositions and expert musicianship (especially guitar-wise), 36
Crazyfists come through yet again with a powerful combination of grace and
savagery fully intact and polished to a shine. For more information, check out
http://www.36crazyfists.com. "Bitterness
the Star" (Roadrunner; 2002) Reviewed by Snidermann I really wanted to like 36 Crazyfists.
Their music is intense and powerful, the really hard stuff we've come to expect
from Roadrunner Records. The music I like. But I can't get past the vocal
styling of Brock Lindow. Lindow, at times, sounds like he is grabbing his Adam's
apple between thumb and forefinger and jiggling it while he sings. His voice
shakes. It's a very annoying technique that - if used once or twice - might have
actually been effective. Instead, it's a serious detriment to the music. I
actually checked the CD itself and then my player to make sure the disc wasn't
warped or something. The result was that I found myself anticipating the strange vocals instead of listening to the
great music. The sad thing is that Brock can sing. When he's not doing that
bizarre vibrating thing, he's quite good. If Brock can drop the tremolo, I'll look forward to
hearing more from this band. Until then, however, I'll steer clear of 36
Crazyfists. 36 Crazyfists: Brock Lidlow - vocals; Steve Holt -
guitar and backing vocals; Mick Whitney - bass; T. - drums. For more information, check out http://www.36crazyfists.com. Rating Guide: Copyright © 2009 by R.
Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
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.
Revised:
12 Aug 2024 14:33:58 -0400
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