Disney/Pixar Cars 2

Disney/ Pixar's Cars 2, wow…what a theatrical let down? Look, before I get started on why this film needed to have gone straight to video, I want to start by saying, “Rest in peace, Joe Ranft (3/13/1960-8/16/2005).” Joe Ranft’s creative contributions will surely be missed and it definitely shows in Cars 2 because Joe’s inner child and creative sense of humor lacks in this production. Joe Ranft was the creative backbone behind Pixar and his sprinkle of innocence that he added would push the envelope of charm that this animation giant once had, but one can get a sense of what it lacks from Cars 2. Even though, Larry the Cable Guy is the voice behind Tow Mater, Joe Ranft created this goofy character and there was a particular vision that was envisioned by Ranft.

Cars 2, directed and story by John Lasseter, Brad Lewis, and story by Ron Fogelman while Ben Queen wrote the script (your eyes do not deceive you, yes; it took three guys to create the story and one to turn it into a screenplay. I just love seeing my name in credits, don’t you?). That is a whole lot of brains colliding if you ask me, but they came together to force comedic scenes of slapstick humor as well as inspector Jacques Clouseau (Pink Panther) bungling while in a 007-esque espionage façade. Kudos, to that mouthful, let’s not forget the magical theme of friendship, so don’t change who you are to impress strangers; just be yourself (I know you’re feeling my sarcastic tone right about now, but it gets better). I like animation with a moral theme and good values, but I think they already had a full plate, and the narrative suffered a bit from it. What did you expect when they try to jam environmentalist themes down our gullets? We were fed plenty in Wall-E, UP, and Toy Story 3. Let the audience eat more with Cars 2…RALPH! I like the idea of having a clean environment, but this can all be done with PSAs (Public Service Announcements), and Disney/Pixar can lead the campaign to healthier you, anti-animal cruelty, toay donation, clean water, immaculate skies, recycled garbage, alternative fuels, and solar energy, but wait, free doesn’t pay the bills, so let’s cram it in a 112min. movie that way mom and dad are forced to see it, and the kids can say, “Look Ma and Pa, we have to do something about our environment.” Thank you Disney/Pixar as if I don’t already chew the air we breathe here in Los Angeles. How many years did it take you guys to figure that out? I would never have known to by a hybrid vehicle or an electric one if it was not for Cars 2, gee thanks a mill or should I say you’re welcome for the millions you have earned at the box office, merchandise, and upcoming video release. Cheers!

The film gets a C- at best, but had it gone straight to video then I would have graded it a B- because it is slow to the start, but gains momentum towards something palpable. Some of the gags were subpar and (dare I say it) cute, but not strong enough to keep the attention span of my children and I read into it deeply. I will not declare WAR on this film, but I will tell those not to bother going to the theater to see it because it is an over-priced experience, but if you decide to rent it or catch it on cable, then by all means. You will be entertained at a slow pace.

The plot is a bit thin as well. Our hero Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) (Yippy, go NASCAR!) is on vacation, and decides to visit Sally (Bonnie Hunt) and his BFF (Best Friends Forever) Mater (Larry the Cable Guy). Lightning McQueen spends the day with his buddy Mater, but he wants to spend the evening with Sally as they have planned a dinner date. Mater becomes the third wheel and he tries to do whatever it takes to spend time with his BFF. Mater pretends to be a waiter and goes into the bar to order their drinks when he looks up at the TV screen and sees Miles Axelrod (Eddie Izzard) interviewing Francesco Bemoulli (John Turturro). Francesco calls out McQueen on national television and Mater calls into the show and defends his friend (*HINT* friendship theme). This gives rise to McQueen accepting the challenge where he and Mater go to Japan. Meanwhile, the international lemons and clunkers of the world are devising to do away with alternative fuel and increase the trade of fossil fuels, since they own the world’s largest untapped oil reserve, and they are in the works to add new modified parts to help them last longer as they will control the prices. They lemons have found a chemical imbalance within the alternative fuel which causes the car engines to ignite and blow up with an electromagnetic heat ray disguised as a television camera, so as the cars race along the track the clunkers zoom in on the cars with the view finder and activate the targeted cars (stunning isn’t it).

However, the action sequences with Finn McMissle (Michael Caine) are pretty cool and entertaining, especially, the Michael Bay explosions (Woo Hoo), and they definitely remind me of James Bond and how much more entertaining it would be to be watching a James Bond movie. Francesco’s character is colorful and his lines are quite humorous, so in that sense it was not all bad. It is a warm hearted film that pays tribute to all our favorite Spy Flicks, but its strength would have been greater in the world of video instead of the theater, and with that I leave you to tell me your thoughts of the film? Do you agree or disagree? Let down your thoughts. Until next time, see you around the magic lantern.

Captain America gets the Glory!

Avengers Assemble! This film needs to be glorified! Jack Kirby and Joe Simon would be amazed to see their hero (they created Captain America in 1941) in all his glory. I will have to admit that this film exceeded my expectations, especially, after seeing the horrible Captain America (two part television movie from 1979) or the Roger Corman-esque low budget Captain America, directed by Albert Pyun (released Dec. 14^th, 1990). Chris Evans performance is believable and his remarkable likeness to the comic book hero is uncanny; he was well casted for this role. Captain America: The First Avengers, directed by Joe Johnston, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely pays an amazing tribute to the creators of Captain America and the fans. Now, this is a true family movie, a film that my family and I could watch without covering the eyes of my children or hesitation. Sure there were some moments where there was use of foul language by Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones), but it was part of the character’s personality and it was not too offensive. The editing is clean and smooth. For example, there is a scene where Captain America (Chris Evans) is going to be mooned by a soldier as he is about to pull his pants down, the scene cuts away to the USO girls walking on stage. The technique of suggestion was a wise choice. Although the narrative was not compelling, thought provoking, or an extreme work of art. The narrative is very entertaining, definitely a fun popcorn movie that interweaves the other Marvel Superhero sagas like: Thor, Iron Man, and Iron Man 2, for the upcoming Avengers movie. (Definitely stay after the credits, so that you can see the unofficial trailer for the Avengers)

During the opening of the film sequence, the shot with the group of explorers walking up to an unidentifiable object seemed very classic, and that directorial approach caused me to follow along the camera pan with my eyes towards the object and slowly pull me in. An explorer slides down a rope after a laser drill cuts a circular hole through the ice with a turquoise beam of light. After the second explorer slides down, they creep through the hull of what seems to be some type of aerospace craft. They walk up towards a chair and brush off some snow off of what seemed to be a block of ice, and they notice an object inside the block, it would seem to be Captain America’s shield, then the film cuts to a flashback. I do not want to ruin the movie for any of you, especially, going in and dissecting scene after scene, spoiler after spoiler, but these series of shots really captivated and kept me in the movie.

The flashback sequence of the 1940s was really cool too, and I liked the fact that they kept that 1940s dialogue approach, making the world seem more authentic as well as the sets were dressed to look like the forties, and the characters were dressed in forties couture, and the cars were that of the 1940s models. The juxtaposition of the science fiction technology of the future with technology of the forties, gave rise to the age old argument of modern versus post modern ideology of the fifties and sixties. The dream of the flying car, rocket ships, microwave ovens, and televisions as well as the Stark Industry’s World Expo sponsored by Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) which was alluded to in Iron Man 2. The Expo scene introduces Howard Stark as a playboy like his son Tony and (in later sequences) also gives rise to his reckless nature. I would have to add that the scenes where the characters are watching the military propaganda before the featured film of the era were a nice touch. What I really enjoyed was the introduction of the Howlin’ Commandos, seeing them in action was like seeing them pop out of the comic-book pages. If you definitely want to check out a family flick that everyone can enjoy then check out Captain America: The First Avenger, neither your wallet nor your family should be disappointed.  The film makes one feel proud to be an American as well as patriotic. Nothing is more American than creating a hopped up super-soldier on steroids to fight a bunch of bullies while saving the ideals of freedom. Three cheers for the underdog or should I say, the little guy. This flick had a little bit of Americana, but the apple pie. What did you think about the film?

The Smurfs

Shall we glorify, not bother, or declare WAR?

Zookeeper

Shall we glorify, not bother, or declare WAR?

Disney/Pixar's Cars 2

Shall we glorify, not bother, or declare WAR?

Captain America

Shall we glorify, not bother, or declare WAR?

World War Blog: Film Forum (A Declaration of War Vol. 1) Part 1

Today, I declare war on Ehren Kruger and Michael Bay's Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), because ever since I saw this summer blockbuster, I cannot seem to get this horrible taste of subpar mediocre plot driven rubbish out of my mouth. My family and I needed to plan a mental voyage in the realms of fantasy and escapism, so we viewed it on Saturday, July 2^nd, while today is the 20^th, I can’t seem to cleave this bad flick out of my skull. There are political jabs towards Republicans, partisanship bias towards Democrats, immature name calling towards a past actress (Megan Fox), the character assassination of Optimus Prime, the lack of narrative, heavily plot driven, thin dialogue, the objectification of Rosie Alice Huntington-Whiteley, and over saturation of special effects. Yes that’s all a mouthful, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. This film is intended to draw families in droves, especially, a targeted demographics of males between 13-36 year olds, to introduce and re-introduce the nostalgia of the eighties cartoon characters from Hasbro, but is this a trap to get you in the theater so that a production can relinquish sophomoric immaturity, a fantastical narrative with a sprinkling of political and current events, to poke jabs at our government administration, mock our military, or to lift up the administration without any real political stance to add strength to a foundation of debate?

Let me start with the partisanship bias and prejudice within the film, I will have to admit that political discussion of current events and viewpoints are necessary, and can create a positive discourse when the writer uses a moment within the narrative that gives rise to movement of the character’s arch, the setting of its world, or if one is going to satirize the political figures, legislation, or injustices, then by all means, please take to the stage, release your opinions, queries, and indulge us, but do not treat us like we (the spectators) are mindless fools, to use this form of entertainment to create a forum of discourse without a proper foundation. Aren’t you (the audience) tired of the film industry trying to sprinkle their political prejudice and bias, just so they (those responsible) can have a moment of spectator acceptance? Is this subliminal narcissism, the allegorical pat on the back? Has political correctness made us weak? I think so, because we as Americans are afraid to use our First Amendment Rights to express our views, so that we do not offend anybody. We tiptoe around specific topics that need to be addressed because we do not want to seem like lunatics or fanatics, but what about being human? What’s wrong about being human? Being human isn’t so bad.

Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci the screenwriters responsible for Star Trek, Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, stood behind their work with a level of respect, integrity, passion, and love for the Transformers franchise and overall canon. There have been reports where they (Kurtzman and Orci) would bring their Transformers figurines into meetings to act out certain scenes when they pitched their stories. In an interview found in the May/June 2009 issue of Creative Screenwriting, they (Kurtzman and Orci) expressed how they felt about writing the sequel to the first Transformers movie. They did not want to write one because they felt that they dished out a great screenplay jam packed with all of the stops, but Paramount had already greenlit a sequel after the amazing box office success of the first one, and with all that being said, doesn’t that tidbit of information make you wonder why a third installment was made? There is nothing wrong about cashing in on a successful product, especially, since movie making is a business none-the-less, but where is the integrity and love for the product being sold? When one creates a product that has integrity then usually the product almost sells itself. Hasbro’s Transformer toy line as well as the cartoon on the HUB (Hasbro’s Cable Network) is creating fans as well as future consumers on a daily basis, so there is nothing wrong with product placement within the movie, but when you turn the movie into a two hour long commercial, then…yes, I do have a problem with that. For example, during the fighting sequence between Optimus Prime and Shockwave, Optimus Prime did not have access to his trailer which held a jet booster pack inside of it, and he was upset that he could not get to it which would have given him some sort of advantage over his foe unless he had it. Yes, this is the mighty leader of the Autobots. If he does not get his big accessory then he will have a hard time defending Earth, boo hoo.

Speaking of Optimus, the greatest flaw within the flick is also the great character assassination of Optimus Prime. Kruger has scripted him to being immature, whiny, weak, and murderous. Optimus is quoted saying, “I will kill Megatron,” and “I will murder you.”  I was extremely appalled when I heard that, more so, when my children heard that. They view him like one of the great mythological heroes of old.Growing up watching the cartoon, I can remember watching Optimus Prime beat Megatron with tactics and strategy, but when it came down to violence, Optimus Prime would occasionally beat up his antagonist Megatron, but he would not threaten his life or try to eradicate his foe, no matter how atrocious or heinous Megatron’s world domination plots were.  I would even cheer Optimus and the Autobots on as they faced the Decepticons in combat while holding my favorite Auotbot toy. I can honestly say that the torch has been passed down to my children as I see them do the same thing when they watch Transformers Prime (a new cartoon series on the HUB), and that is part of the nostalgic nuances that make these live action remakes of cartoons so awesome, especially, since the level of technology has risen.

I have so many important questions to ask Michael Bay and Ehren Kruger about this production effort like: “Where are the values? What was the theme? Why mock the United States Armed Forces, was it really necessary? Did they have to over stimulate and celebrate mechanical machismo? Can they justify the sex appeal, sexual innuendos, and the objectification of women in the guise of a family movie?”

Band Reviews that appeared in High Wire Daze under the surname of Count Goreboar

Snakes for the Divine

High on Fire

E1-Entertainment

Standing with axe and war-hammer in hand, breathing hard and heavy, surrounded by the conquered bodies of my enemies and fallen comrades in battle, but the cool winds bite my face and run through my heavy fur cape as the bruised night sky dissipates as the sun breaks the horizon line. The sorcerers gather to bless the fallen and breathe incantations of thanks to the Gods while the Father of all Creation smiles down on the victors of war. The serpents swallow the sacrifice as the divine sends them to retrieve their spoils. This is High on Fire. The legendary Matt Pike’s guitar playing is intense and powerful as powerful as his stories told in his raspy booming voice. His lyrics do not rhyme words force to fit stanzas that have no substance, on the contrary, his lyrics send you to a world; a world of old. On which battles are fought with swords, pikes, clubs, hammers, and shields. Where betrayers are dealt with the edge of a knife and the conscience of the knife wielder is consumed by doom. Yes, this sounds barbaric, but this is the world described by Matt’s lyrics, and I am very sure that they are just metaphors for something far greater or relevant to the happenings of our time.

 The intro of “Snakes for the Divine,” gives rise to an Iron Maiden feel, but curves immediately awakening a Motorhead vibe with its thunder and luster. The song is powerful, but so is the entire album, sure, it does not have the same concept base as Death is this Communion (an album that I highly recommend if you haven’t checked it out by now.), but why should it; that’s why it is a new album, and Snakes for the Divine stands on its own as well as it carries elements from the albums before. This power trio delivers, and if you are stuck on a particular sound; then I recommend that you stay where you are, but as for High on Fire, I will follow their progression, the music and lyrics need to grow or the band becomes stale. Sure, I agree with keeping with the integrity of their sound and tone, but they have to grow and shed their old skin while making room for the new, and the new flesh is as powerful as the latter. 

Jeff Matz’s bass lines are well structured as they groove with a punchy and thunderous tone.  I really liked his work when he played for ZEKE, but he definitely fits into the enigmatic sound that is High on Fire. The proof is in the pudding with the track “Bastard Samurai”, a song that has the touch of Black Sabbath and Amebix, and this track will pummel you. Des Kensel’s drumming has been a driving force with the band. Des beats the marches to battle and drives the accents to all of the riffs with rolls and stops. For example, listen to “Frost Hammer,” for Des’s driving force, and powerful hitting.  Jeff and Des add more to the sound with their backing vocals and filling the gaps. Definitely catch these guys live, but grab all of their albums, especially, if you like bands like: Amebix, Bathory, Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Celtic Frost, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Pentagram, Slayer, St. Vitus, and Venom. You will not be disappointed. “Snakes for the Divine,” just kick started my year and is breathing new hope for the music that is to come. For all the warriors raise your chalices, goblets, horns, steins, and mugs spill some for the fallen, and clink glasses. Cheers, and until next time. Take care and take control.

Contact info: http://www.highonfire.net/

Time Waits For No Slave

Napalm Death

Century Media (2009)

The legendary Grindcore Gods; Napalm Death are at it again with their latest release: “Time Waits For No Slave.” The blistering blast beats by Danny Herrera’s drums, complex riffs, shifting tempo changes, and fingering of Mitch Harris, Shane Embury’s low frequency assault, and the lyrical brilliance and execution of Mark “Barney” Greenway, will send you to a world filled with greedy consumers, multi-national death corporations and their survival tactics. The album hits you like a sledge hammer to the head. If you are not awake by the time you hit play; then you must be dead. The entire album is intense from the get go. You cannot pull yourself away from these addictive tracks. When the album was over, I still needed another fix like some zombie junkie craving the desires of his affliction tripping over his feet while tapping the vein. The lyrics deal with everyday life to feminist ideals. They are not pushing their views on anyone, but rather, making one aware of the current events, intolerances, issues as well as the subliminal ideals of Imperialism. Napalm Death is a band that scorches the barriers and awakens the stream of conscientiousness. I highly recommend this album; not because I am a fan, but because of their positive messages. Take Care and Take Control.

 

Contact Info: www.myspace.com/napalmdeath 

AT TIMES OF PEACE PREPARE FOR WAR

Line Up Your Lies

Sound Violence Music

Are you ready for an all out war or brutal assault on your senses?  Then your ears should be set for the sonic blast that is Line Up Your Lies! This trio from Hesperia, CA. takes you right into the battlefields with guns loaded and drawn. The Ak-47 rapid fire blast beats of Brent Ventimiglia’s drums tears up any atmosphere while the switch of Don Barber’s highs and Gio Trujillo’s low growl drive the war chants home, and not to mention the amazing blistering speed of the strings with technical changes and fist pumping chants. The entire album is a fierce soundtrack to war, starting with the sample of the first track (Dying for Life); especially, since it sets up the mood: “Men are going to get killed today, and I am going to kill them.” The sheer intensity of the music grips your neck and will not set you free until those nine tracks finish their course. The recording is very crisp and the clarity of the music is uncanny. I can hear all of the changes and the vocals are not muddied with the music but the union of the sound is very clean. It’s really hard to find metal bands that really pay attention to their sound; especially the local bands that cater to home recordings, but you can tell that these guys not only got professionals to record their album, but professionals to master it as well. .

Line Up Your Lies’s cover of Suffer the Children (Napalm Death) is not only their own, but the track compliments the integrity and sound of the great Grindcore Gods that is Napalm Death. They pay homage and do not disappoint. If you like Grindcore or extreme metal then I would advise you to definitely give Line Up Your Lies a listen. Take care and take control.

Contact info: http://www.myspace.com/lineupyourlies

HFATTM

(Hot F**k Action To The Maxxx)

NOCIXEL

Vomitcore Music

Have you ever been devoured by carnivorous insects, or broiled alive inside a crematorium? I am sure that Kevin Fetus of HFATTM, can make that desire blossom into fruition. The blistering soundscapes of HFATTM will simmer your cerebellum while the extreme electro acoustics crisps your exterior into a bubbling mess of fourth degree burns. The noise is very intense, but not ear shattering like the high frequencies of William Bennett and Peter Soto’s Whitehouse project, but a close rendition of Rozz Williams’ Premature Ejaculation or Stephen O’Malley’s Sunn 0))). The difference is that this insidious, vile, cringe driven world is piloted by, none other than, the infamous Kevin Fetus. His art, his vision, and his obsession; NOCIXEL is not an album for the weary, but for the extreme musicians and audiences that can appreciate, and has a desire to explore what’s beyond the norm. The sounds of creatures from a primordial absu have consumed my will to chronicle any further, so I leave you all to take care and take control.

Contact info: http://www.fetusk.org/

At Half Mast

The Scarred

Basement Records (2009)

At Half Mast is a fist pumping, slam dancing, pogo of a good time. The Scarred is street punk at its best! This trio captures the old school Orange County Punk Sound to the tee. There is a sense of nostalgia and nuance from: Social Distortion, Agent Orange, D. I., and The Adolescents. I would like to capture this energetic group live. The recording is crisp and all of the instruments are present. Although the recording is crisp, the sound is raw; I feel like I have traveled back to the eighties when the scene was alive and thriving. Killer work and Kudos to The Scarred and Basement Records! This is a good album all around, and you can’t help but follow along with all of the…oh…oooh…oooh’s.  I don’t know about you, but I like to throw back a couple with my friends and act the fool, and The Scarred is a fun listen, and reminds one to lighten up and let loose. Check them out if you like having fun. Take Care and Take Control. Cheers!

Contact Info: www.Myspace.com/SCARRED

No Reason To Live…No Reason To Die!

Internal Corrosion

Corrosion Records (2009)

Internal Corrosion is a cesspool of filthy toxic thrash that crawls under your skin and rots your flesh from the in and out. This is how metal should be written. I like my thrash dirty and fast. Hector pours his soul into the vocals, and you can feel the anguish as well as the madness that is imbued within the lyrical content. The lycanthropic creature wants to be unleashed, and Internal Corrosion is the portal.  The guitarists (Henry and Hector) shred like scraping your knees and elbows from a skateboarding accident. Chonce does not let up; you feel those pounding bass chords. Ian beats those drums like they owe him money.  It will leave you raw and bloody. This is metal for the brutal and not the squeamish. Do you like: Megadeth, Cryptic Slaughter, Wehrmacht, Sodom, Slayer, Death Angel, Exodus, or Municipal Waste? The influences are just an echo, and they have managed to create their own niche of the genre; as it should be. Take what you like, learn from the best, and create your own mold. I am glad to see that thrash and metal is making a comeback, and I believe that Internal Corrosion will be leading the pack.  The album is great, but do yourself a favor and catch these maniacs live. Let’s take the music back. Die, Kill, Beer! Take Care and Take Control.

Contact Info: Internalcorrosionmusic@yahoo.com

Designated - Vol. 1 (7”)

Bullet Treatment

Fat Wreck Chords (2009)

What do you get when you combine the elemental force of Chris #2 of Anti Flag, Johnny of Swingin’ Utters, Russ of only Crime/Good Riddance, Tim of Rise Against, Thomas of Strike Anywhere, and Sturg of Star Fucking Hipsters/Leftover Crack? You get a punk rock tour de force. Designated – Vol. 1 is an amazing collaboration of artist reaching the same common goal; real hardcore punk. When I say real hardcore punk; I am stating the intensity of what was and is: Black Flag, Bad Brains, Poison Idea, M.D.C., Battalion of Saints, Minor Threat, Adolescents, just to name a few. If you know your history and love that chaotic and powerful sound then do yourself a favor and jump on board this punk rock juggernaut that is Bullet Treatment! Chuck Dietrich (A.k.a. D.C.) is the master cylinder behind this project. You do not know if he is playing guitar, bass or drums, but whatever it is; you can definitely expect genius. Here is the crazy part; it is one song, but when fused with those great talents, it creates its own entity. That is right; I said it is one song: meaning one piece of music, but it is six separate tracks, and they stand alone as six songs; very Intense and a brilliant performance from all those who collaborated on this massive powerhouse. Bullet Treatment is complex, but you do not have to do the math; just sit back and enjoy this creative masterpiece. The guitar riff is extremely catchy; Pig Champion would be proud to have known that he influenced that jam (R.I.P.). So go out there and grab this album by all means necessary; you will not be disappointed. Take Care and Take Control.

Contact Info: http://www.myspace.com/bullettreatment

EVACUATE

Evacuate

Taang! Records

This Quintet shatters the boundaries of punk rock genres and unites the scene! Evacuate’s message is clear and powerful. These punks don’t sing about pimping beer and getting beat up by the bullies. There is a real message in their lyrics. From Wildfires, Ignorance, Greed, War, Poverty, the Hardcore Scene, to Bulimia. The power and lyrical delivery is as ferocious as that of Watty from the Exploited, and hints of Charged GBH. The musical intensity of a pissed off Johnny Thunders, but the beat-down power of Broken Bones and Poison Idea; this is real Hardcore Punk! Songs like: Mankind’s Disease, Give You Nothing, What Happened to Hardcore, and City on Fire grip you, shake you up, and toss you to the side like a dirty rag, but you can’t help but sing along. Evacuate is a powerhouse of pissed off aggression, and I highly recommend that all the posers EVACUATE; cause when the lyrical and musical bomb hits all will feel its intensity! There is no escape, so EVACUATE! Take care and take control.

Contact info: www.myspace.com/evacuatepunks

 

Let Them Burn

“Self Titled”

“Self Released”

By: Count GoreBoar

What can I say? Let Them Burn! The drive echoes the heavily rooted Slayer, Sepultura, and Cannibal Corpse (George “Corpse Ginder” Fisher era) influence. Rupert’s percussive elements remind me a lot of Obituary and Pungent Stench. The lyrics seem too personal and do not evoke a universal concrete as well as being sophomoric at times. The lyrics are very angst driven, but properly arranged with the timing of the music, and the music is heavy as it should be for a death metal album. The rhythmic patterns create a heavy groove at times, and the blast beats accent the fast riff changes, regardless if it is not a generic hybrid, but rather, another in the books of the Death Metal Genre. The influences speak for themselves and if you are really into death metal a la Corpse-grinder Cannibal Corpse then check them out. They are definitely worth a listen. Support the California Death Metal scene. Take care and take control.

Contact info: www.Myspace.com/letthemburnca

In Reference to Something Forgotten

Guppies

Guppies Music

By: Count GoreBoar

Smooth like margarine spread on an English muffin, and as psychedelic as a mushroom binge lost down the rabbit hole and complaining about being late. There is no time where we have voyaged the trip is soothing. The opening track, “Rabbits May Hide in the Forest,” has that shoe gazer element with a trance like quality to the looped sample, but it starts off with a strong ambient atmosphere.  “Jesus Fish Car,” swims through my mind as well as my living room. The riffs are rockin’ but very smooth, the bass lines walk and groove, and the drums are solid. Kudos to Sergio Argumedo’s solid drumming, and the whole band, for the strong atmospheric music; Leo Coronado’s tone is soft and airy but it adds to the overall feel of the structure of the album. Especially, in “Ghost in the Picture,” the soft sweep picking on the clean guitar is awesome as it gets drowned with effects giving rise to a Love and Rockets type of vibe and finished off with an acoustic guitar.  The guitar work between Leo and Oliver Dammasch are wonderful, they complement each other, rather than, compete. Eric Kempke adds a nice balanced heartbeat of rhythm that fills, instead of leaving gaps, but the sound effects, samples, and added instrument s do the same, but without those elements the band still sounds full, and I definitely recommend the GUPPIES; especially, for those who like Love and Rockets, Radio Head, Sonic Youth, Larsen, Eric’s Trip, Elliot Smith, and Nirvana.

The GUPPIES are an original act, but they do share some of the influences and elements of the latter. Please do not be discouraged by the gaggle of groups mentioned as influences or elemental substance. They are worthy of a good listen. The overall production is crisp and clear. The engineers of this production definitely deserve a thumbs up, for capturing the GUPPIES’ sound and performance. Check out their Myspace for show info, I have seen them live and they are great live as well as their recordings, and this album is a powerful effort by far, and until next time.  Highwire Daze does not promote the use of drugs, nor does this review promote any form of drug use. I take full responsibility for my reference as nothing more than an analogy of the atmospheric qualities of the music, and I do not condone the use of drugs. Take care and take control.

Contact info: http://www.Iloveguppies.com

www.myspace.com/losguppies

Johnny Cheapo

Misbehavin

Smut Records

Although Johnny Cheapo is a veteran punk rocker, he definitely puts the rock into his latest release: Misbehavin.  Misbehavin is jam packed with skilled musicians, the songs are full of catchy hooks, and late 70s punk nostalgia with nuances of the New York Dolls, Sex Pistols, The Jabbers, Misfits (Static Age era), Johnny Thunders, and The Ramones. The riffs are well structured; the tone remains warm and sets up a rockin’ atmosphere. The bass lines and drums pulse and pump like a heartbeat as it should. I just wish that the levels on the jams was raised a couple of notches because it seems pushed back a little. The very present vocals of Johnny Cheapo are like harsh commands that demand the attention of audiences; especially, in songs like: “Reckless Tonight, Rock ‘N’ Roll Queen, and Sleazeball Queen,” it’s not a bad thing, on the contrary, it suits Johnny Cheapo’s sound as well as fueling the fodder while: “Wayward Women, Hey White Girl, No Parking in L.A., Pourin’ Rain, and Desperado” are all fun sing along songs that keep the head bobbin’.

 Look, if you want a good disc to throw on while you take that long voyage through traffic, need music for background at a party, or just want that classic nostalgic feeling; then crank it up. The disc is fun, so sit back and enjoy. I highly recommend the song: “You Giveme the Creeps,” and since all of you do; I suggest you all take care and take control.

Contact info: www.Myspace.com/JohnnyCheapo

http://www.johnnycheapo.com/

 

Tracy G

A Frosty G Christmas

Spooky G Music

By: Count GoreBoar

“The Bells!”  Man that track is awesome! Riff by riff, the guitars sound ominous, the solos, and the overall production is not only clean, but sends one to a dark wonderland. This song opens up the rest of the multitalented Tracy G and his all-star musician filled album. The music is spiritually uplifting while maintaining the all around metal feel, but what can you expect with a touring guitarist of Dio, Motorhead, Goad-ed, and WWIII. This  Christmas album rocks on so many levels, and if you need a stocking stuffer, this will definitely be a treat, so throw back some eggnog, kiss that special someone under the mistletoe, and bang your head while throwing up your horns; just crank it up. This will definitely break the ice at a stiff Christmas corporate event, but all jests aside this album is fun for all ages. Especially, for those people who want to rock out while others want the more traditional approach, but it appeases both sides and is balanced.

Check out Larry Ramirez (Loaded Bomb Records, Audia, and Second Chance) rock out the drums on a killer version of “Silent Night.” The drive on it will definitely have Santa rockin’ from roof to rooftop. Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year. Take care and take control!

Contact info: http://www.tracyg.com/

www.Myspace.com/thetracyggroup