Rough Edge: Waterdown CD Reviews

WATERDOWN

"All Riot" (Victory Records; 2006)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Waterdown's latest offering is an eleven track adrenaline rush from start to finish, as this German sextet return after a three-year hiatus.

Meshing Refused's experimental screamo with the new breed of American hardcore's devastating discord, tracks like "Sleep Well" and "Repeater" rip through the speakers with unbridled fury, while "Chewing on Lies" merges the scream/sing aesthetic without a hitch.

Giving obvious props to bands like Grade and Snapcase (especially guitar-wise throughout the disc and who the band go out of their way to posthumously thank), Waterdown's left of center hardcore approach, tasteful breakdowns (check out "Parasite" for proof), and well-measured abrasiveness make "All Riot" an album that mixes old school sounds and new school thought for one raucous listening experience.

For more information visit http://www.waterdown.de.

"The Files You Have On Me" (Victory Records; 2003)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Waterdown's "The Files You Have On Me" is a far cut above so many of the newer bands of today. Waterdown is a tight, almost progressive / almost hardcore sound that is faster and better than almost anything else out there in the same genre or time frame.

Waterdown's songwriting is strong and their rock presentation is very likeable. This is one talented band, even though a few of the songs wear out their welcome rather quickly. For the most part, however, the songs draw the listener in like a good book.

All told, "The Files You Have On Me" is clearly the work of a band that will continue to stand out above the rest.

Waterdown is Ingo Rieser, Marcel Bischoff, Holger Behrens, Axel Pralat, Christian Kruse and Philipp Meyer.

For more information visit http://www.waterdown.de.

"Never Kill the Boy on the First Date" (Victory Records; 2001)

Reviewed by Rose Grech

In the stagnant hardcore music scene, where mixing rap and techno beats is getting lame, Waterdown is a refreshing new band with a pioneering sound. They are truly distinctive as they combine throaty harsh manic screams with euphoric vocal melodies.

Bored of the monotony with playing strictly punk or hardcore music in their previous bands, Waterdown decided to create a revolutionary sound. Waterdown explores new territory in the hardcore scene with their use of two vocalists - one singer and one "screamer."

The dynamic frontmen alternate and overlap each other throughout each song. Their diverse vocals contain catchy and frightening choruses complemented with heavy intricate guitar riffs, pulsing bass and upbeat drums.

It's originality like Waterdown's that keeps the entire music scene lively and evolving. New ideas, creativity and experiments are key to pushing music forward. Without curiosity and risks there is nothing left to discover. Waterdown's radical concept is only one unique approach that will have fans and other music lovers craving more.

For more information visit http://www.waterdown.de.

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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