THE SECOND STAGE TURBINE BLADE

There is a strong bubblegum pop edge to this rock music, and as much as I would otherwise be ashamed to admit it, I really enjoy this music much in the way I like The Ataris (the two bands are quite similar in many ways). The trouble with this album is that while the compositions may be different from each other in many ways, the sound remains the same, and it does grow old about halfway through.

"Second Stage Turbine Blade" A short, atmospheric track opens the album.

"Time Consumer" The opening guitars are clean over a grooving bass and good drum line. It's a short while before the heavy guitars come in. The vocal melody is impressively strong and memorable (I was humming this after the first time I heard it). I also love the subtle synthesizer work. This is the best thing on the album.

"Devil in Jersey City" Further garage band music ensues, but this song has some solid guitar riffs and a lot of energy. The tight bass playing is also something to pay attention to. Again, the vocal melody is as catchy as one expects from good prog-punk. A soft, clean electric guitar solo brings the heavy growling end.

"Everything Evil" The rapid palm-muted guitar riff really makes this song stand out from the others. At the same time, it leaves the singer bare and exposes his weaknesses a bit.

"Delirium Trigger" The drumming stands out, even if it lacks inventiveness. The guitar work, as usual, moves from clean to distorted parts.

"Hearshot Kid Disaster" Heavy drumming, loud guitars, and screaming make up the introduction to this piece. Otherwise, it sounds like everything that came before. While the growling is irritating after only a short while, the chorus is yet another catchy aspect.

"33" This is a nice power pop track with some pleasing vocal harmonies, but nothing much else.

"Junesong Provision" Heavy guitar and impressive vocals and lyrics make up this noteworthy song.

"Neverender" Excellent bass work extends over the mix for a great hard rock series of riffs and a pretty good song.

"God Send Conspirator" Clean guitar music with solid drumming and outstanding bass tone carry the music for the first few seconds of this track. The acoustic section that follows (after some time of silence) is a pleasing change of pace, and what The Mars Volta sounds like on songs like "Televators" (if toned down even more).