Superdrag

Superdrag
Industry Giants
©2009 Sound Laboratories
HYPERLINK "http://www.superdrag.com" www.superdrag.com

Boom, right out of the blocks Superdrag come swinging. “Slow to Anger” is a blast of old school punk sounding melody. Uncluttered by useless fluff, it’s the bass/guitar/drums/vocals and production that makes it ring out like an anthem. Raise your fists. The kids ARE united!

Stylistically, things get psychotic after that. An acoustic guitar starts off “Live and Breathe” as it drifts into a dense, almost shoegaze sounding blur. Superdrag bob and weave through this disc with musical adaptation and authority. They are shape shifters and pull it off with aplomb. I’ve heard discs like this that just collapse because there’s no real momentum. You’re always hearing a band trying to find it’s sound. Not in this case. They are adept at the swerving in and out of their musical costumes and have no trouble shifting gears. Some of it sounds like power pop, some like modern post punk. I didn’t do much research on this band although I seem to recall a single “Who Sucked Out the Feeling” or something like that? Also, I seem to recall a lead singer who accepted Christ and a band that disbanded and reformed? Lyrics are interesting and solid, no overt clichéd Jesus banter, but no shirking away either. No matter, this is a great disc, highly recommended for people that just like great modern rock. I’ll avoid dropping RIYL bands here, but suffice to say they’d fit in with, uh, fans of Dave Grohl’s band named after sci-fi protagonists.

This is one of few CD’s that I don’t start getting cranky over poor production. The production is fitting for the music and doesn’t sound cheap or filled with gimmicks to hide the lack of substance. Most of it is really solid, and there are few low points. Bully for you, Superdrag.

9/10 kilts