Voodoo Glow Skulls CD Reviews

VOODOO GLOW SKULLS

"Adiccion, Tradicion, Revolucion" (Victory; 2004)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

The long-running ska outfit Voodoo Glow Skulls return with a new album that sounds like the perfect mixture of every facet of Los Angeles street culture.

From the old school punk rock blitz of "Mayhem and Murder" to the more rootsy feel of "Eville" to the straight-up rock steady ska of "Smile Now, Cry Later," this septet cranks out the kind of evil ska that Memphiskapheles did back in the day. The only difference is that VGS performs with a decisive Latino flavor, as songs like the title track are sung predominantly in Spanish.

The album isn't without its problems, however. The crappy mix virtually jumbles the release's overall sound and feel, yet down deep inside this 14-track disc, there's a wild house party waiting to burst out of control.

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

"Steady as She Goes" (Victory; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Voodoo Glow Skulls have been around for a long time but the band seems to have rediscovered their vitality with "Steady As She Goes."

Packed solid with metal guitar riffs, sassy horns and punk rock rhythms, "Steady As She Goes" delivers an irresistible punk/ska/metal hybrid that will have you banging your head, pumping your fist and looking for a mosh pit all at once. The songwriting here is stronger and more engaging than on some recent VGS releases. Whether that's because the band has endured several personnel changes over the past years and the new combination works for them or whether they just caught their second (third? fourth?) breath, "Steady As She Goes" is a much more solid album.

Lyrically, "Steady as She Goes" bounces back and forth from the funny ("Voodoo Anthem" - who can resist a chorus of "Ren-dez-voodoo! Who do voo-doo, we do, fuck you!") and the very serious ("Ethnic Cleansing Day," "The Rat Traps.") Even the songs written and sung in Spanish work well - even if you don't understand a word. I especially like the title track with its driving guitars and Latin horns.

Voodoo Glow Skulls: Frank "El Capitan" Casillas, Eddie "Dead Eye" Casillas, Jorge "El Perico" Casillas," Mason "Cabin Boy" Ball, Brodie "Brodie Johnson" Johnson, Jerry "Sapo" O'Neill.

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

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