Rough Edge: Tub Ring CD Reviews

TUB RING

"Fermi Paradox" (Caroline Records; 2002)

Reviewed by Snidermann

This CD is entitled "Fermi Paradox" and that is exactly what this release is: a paradox. The music of Tub Ring refuses to be fall into any particular category. That makes it difficult to appreciate at first. It took me multiple play-throughs to finally find the groove. The fact that I did find it, however, speaks of this CDs excellence.

"Fermi Paradox" is a undivisible amalgamation of punk, metal, classic rock, show tunes, surfer music and some shit I can't even describe. The bottom line, however, is that Tub Ring is damn fun to listen to. It may not be U2 or Rage Against the Machine deep but it sounds like the band is having a great time and that fun extends out to the listener. Some unique and very interesting keyboard work adds ad additional level of cool to this CD.

Tub Ring's "Fermi Paradox" is good music, easy to listen to. I give this CD three chain saws and the band had to get them the hard way - the had to earn them. And they did.

Tub Ring is Kevin Gibson vocals, Rob Kleiner keyboards, Jason Fields bass, Shawn Sprinkel guitar and Dave Tavares drums.

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

"Drake Equation" (Caroline Records; 2001)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

If you're looking for originality, you need look no further than Tub Ring's "Drake Equation." A virtual cornucopia of every rock'n'roll sound available, from Slipknot-type speed metal to surf guitar to Oingo Boingo circus rock to the new wave of Devo to a twisted interpretation of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy horns, "Drake Equation" has it all.

But it takes more than originality to make a great CD. "Drake Equation" might be unique, but I'd be hard-pressed to call it brilliant. The band Tub Ring most remind me of is the above-mentioned Oingo Boingo. Boingo was a brilliant band ... I'm not sure Tub Ring is.

Still, if you're tired of commercial rock'n'roll, pick up "Drake Equation." You won't find anything commercial here at all.

I do like the "Plan 9 From Outer Space" samples, however.

Tub Ring: Mike Gilmore, Kevin Gibson, Mouse, Jason Fields, Rob Kleiner.

For more information, check out http://www.tubring.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.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home