Sound 4 Sound "The Sound Gets Lower and Lower" CD
[self-released]
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this band since they feature former members of Timescape Zero, Machine, and U.F.C., especially because their band name seems to have been borrowed from the Dag Nasty song of the same name. Was it going to be rawer and somewhat metallic like Timescape Zero? Would it be more melodic like Dag Nasty? Yes and no on both counts. It's far more Timescape Zero than anything, as it's really not melodic at all, but it's also not too metallic, and the punk-ish influences are few and far between, not to mention more along the street punk variety than anything else. Things are based around straightforward chord progressions with gruff vocals that are sort of yelled in slight key. The tempos are moderate, the basslines roam around and drive the rhythm section forward rather than following the guitars note for note, and it's hard hitting without being decidedly metal or falling back on any generic old school styled hardcore devices. "1 2 X Who?" opens the demo with an unexpectedly quirky crossover styled twist, "As Salaam Alaikum" does employ some chunkier metallic rhythms with a driving tempo, "Liars of the World Unite (So I May Destroy You)" is a little catchier in its vocal patterns during the chorus and upbeat lean during the verse parts, and "Now I Gots to Cut Ya" is one of the most memorable of the clear-cut pieces. The recording is rough, to say the least, but I'm more bothered by the inconsistencies of the sessions than the rawness. You've got to adjust the volume every song or two to keep up with the fluctuations, and some of the songs sort of sound like crap, if I must be so blunt (namely the last few, which are too quiet and muddy). Usually the tones are decent but very rough, and at times the guitar tone gets a hell of a bite to it that sounds like it might've been recorded direct. The bass sounds consistently good (which is nice since the bassist shines here), and the vocals sound good, it's just the mix and overall output levels that tend to waver the most. The CD-R comes in a plain white sleeve with black and white printing on the disc face and a xeroxed lyrics insert. That's all there is to it. The lyrics seem largely personal with personal commentary on other topics coming into play at times, but the song titles have a hint of sarcasm and the actual content is generally pretty open. "You've heard it before, 'It's all a crutch.' Plus, the worst drivers have fish on their cars. Don't mean you any hate. I mean you no harm. I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees. I'm a man of my word, but I do as I please..." Interesting stuff there. The demo's available for a mere $1 to cover postage, and I think you can check out most of the tracks online at the band's website as well. I like these songs, but I've gotta slap this with a 5/10 just because the sound quality really harms the end result (and the band admits this, so it's no secret). I'll be curious to hear their future output though, there's substance here that intrigues me. (5/10)
Running time - 17:30, Tracks: 9
[Notable tracks: 1 2 X Who?, Liars of the World Unite (So I May Destroy You), Now I Gots to Cut Ya]
Sound 4 Sound - http://www.thisbandgoesto11.com

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