Review Archive: I

This seven-song CD (with a title that's way too long) is made up of their 7" plus a few other tracks. I.D.K. have a hardcore/metal sound to them, and the vocals sound a little like Ozzy — not really my thing. Most of the songs are slowish, but the two faster ones ("Understand" and a so-so cover of "99 Red Balloons") are okay, but still not great.

Taking on the Monster  

Five songs of metal/hardcore; the music isn't original, but it isn't offensive. The singer's voice, however, is pretty annoying. He kind of screams in what sounds like the same note...really gets on my nerves. The opening lyrics to "Follow My Eyes" are "I hope you like these songs, they exist because of you." If that's the case, then I can't help but feel responsible, and I apologize.

Hailed as the next great thing out of D.C., the Impossible Five play scratchy D.C. type music over spacy keyboards with barked, jive-turkey type annoying vocals. All in all, I can't really find the greatness. It's not for the lack of trying — I applaud their effort. I just don't see the innovation or catchiness that make these guys so popular. As I know all too well through riding flatland for 11 years now, trying too hard can be a very negative aspect to life. The Impossible Five try too hard for my own tastes, and therein lies the problem. [Brian Tunney]

Raw Power  

I'm not all that new to punk, but Raw Power, Iggy and the Stooges' first album, was definitely way before my time. (1973 — hell, I was only 2!) This reissue has been remastered, and since I've never heard the original I can't compare the sound. But on its own it sounds good — loud, raw, and distorted. Some of the slower songs sound a lot like 70's rock (which I guess it is), but the faster stuff — "Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell", "Search and Destroy', and the title track are good. I can really notice the Stooges' influence on today's bands now that I know them better. (New Bomb Turks come to mind). So grab your heroin, toss on this CD and enjoy!