Customer Reviews

Affliction

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Unlike most reviewers on Amazon, I was familiar with Econoline Crush before I bought Affliction. Reasons for this are:

1. Econoline Crush is a band from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I'm also from the Vancouver area.

2. Econoline Crush had just released Affliction, and the singles "Nowhere Now" and especially "Wicked" were gettings tons of radio play on rock radio stations across Canada. Most American radio stations ignore Canadian rock bands unless they have amazing commercial success like the Barenaked Ladies or Bryan Adams. So if you're American, there's a good chance you've never been exposed to Econoline Crush. Here in Canada? They're quite big, and teenaged girls are in love with their lead singer, Trevor Hurst.

3. I was a fan of another Canadian band called The Tea Party, and Econoline Crush opened up for the Tea Party numerous times. I was able to see them live before I bought affliction.

So, now you're probably asking, "What does the album sound like? Is it any good? Is it a rip off of other albums?" Here's my opinion, with a few facts pulled in:

Econoline Crush were extremely influenced by rock and industrial bands. No, not industrial bands like NIN, but bands like Skinny Puppy and Frontline Assembly who were also from Vancouver. Rhys Fulber, who was a member of Frontline Assembly up until the late 90's, produced Econoline Crush's first album "Purge", but also played keyboards on Affliction, and toured with Econoline Crush. If you're lucky enough, you'll find a few Econoline Crush songs remixed by Rhys Fulber (Nowhere Now comes to mind). That's one reason why Econoline Crush have that industrial edge to them.

Affliction was recorded when all of the original Econoline Crush members were present. This is why I call it their most solid album. But not only that, but every song is strong, energetic and emotional.

Nowhere Now kicks off the album into an energetic frenzy. Imagine this song live in concert with the crowd pumping up and down. Blunt begins with a quick punch of a guitar riff, then slows down to a quiet rumble... until the chorus builds, and the chanting of "Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!" makes you just want to blast the song from your stereo! Wicked was the most popular radio single off of this album - starting out with industrial-type samples of drums, the fast paced chorus and the taunting, "you don't feel, you don't care, you're so wicked" in the chorus. Emotional Stain is a nice break in the album, as it lets go from that energetic frenzy and treats you with a blues rock song. Close is a dark, mellow song, with echoed vocals and sorrowful passion. Close was the other single off of Affliction that got adequate radio play in Canada in 1995. Blood In The River is about a dream that lead singer Trevor Hurst had, where he saw bodies in a river. This song was very popular in concert, where the crowd was singing along to the chorus of, "whoa... save my soul, save.. my.. soul..." Cruel World is more of a raw industrial-rock song, a song that was actually released on their first EP, "Purge", but on Affliction, the sounds are more full. Lost and Slug are some of my least favourite on the album because they become a bit like an angry repetitive rock song. Sycophant is one of the catchiest songs on the album, with guitar riffs that want you to bop your head in time to it. It's an excellent song to hear extremely loud! Affliction ends the album a bit more mellow and confused, almost like a reflection and a conclusion to an album of extreme intensity and emotion.

All in all, I'm surprised this album was never introduced to the American market, however, I'm glad it was one of the top albums in Canada during 1995 and 1996. Still to this day you'll hear those songs in Canada, and Econoline Crush are one of the bigger rock bands around that *aren't* the Barenaked Ladies. Don't expect any sissy music to come out of this band!

And to end my review, this is *not* the soundtrack to the 1997 movie "Affliction", so if that's what you're looking for, Econoline Crush's album "Affliction" isn't it! But for all those rock fans who enjoy such bands as NIN, Stabbing Westward, Frontline Assembly, Marilyn Manson, Tool, Incubus, A Perfect Circle, Kittie, Deftones, Korn and the likes... this album's for you!

Crunchy, grinding guitars, driving bass rythms and pounding drum beats with just the right amount of synth and samples mixed in. What more could you ask for? How about Trevor Hursts powerful, emotion filled voice driving powerful lyrics into your ears. When all of these ingredients are combined it creates an irresistable blend of rock and industrial which may possibly never be topped.

After getting "Devil You Know" I started searching high and low for this album, (seems like they really don't carry this album in American record stores) I finally found it in Canada and it rarely makes its way out of my CD player. The best tracks are "Wicked", "Nowhere Now", "Sycopath", and "Affliction". It's a lot different then their new album, but hey this album is great possibly even better than TDYK. This is a great Canadian group, can't wait until their next album and am still searching for their 1st album "Purge". If you like this group, please listen to Stabbing Westward, Filter, OLP or my fav. Canadian band, Moist.

This is one of those rare albums where you can just press the 'PLAY' button, and listen from start to finish. Not every song is a "hit", but they all tie together with a blend of buzzing metal riffs, smooth harmonies, and technical sound effects. A must-have for any metal head looking for something new to add to his/her collection.

This Cd has the crunch,and presence.. The Band is quite interesting and I enjoy almost all the tracks.. Real kick ass stuff.. If you like industrial rock this is a must have. Great tunes and very well recorded..Chris

I am a self-confessed EC freak. So I guess you have to take my 5 stars with a pinch of salt. But really this is a great industrial cd for those of us who don't really take well to the Reznor's or Manson's of this world. Even "hardcore industrials" should be impressed.

The whole cd from start to finish can best be described as "ambient". There's a certain Frontline Assembly quality to this album, and with good reason too because Rhys Fulber plays keys and produces it.

Nowhere Now is the single best piece of industrial rock that has ever graced this earth. Both lyrically and musically. End of story. Emotional Stain is the only song I have heard so far that fits the category "industrial blues"...I personally think a whole
cd of Emotional Stain-like songs would be considered revolutionary. Sycophant is a great high-energy rocker that'll be sure to get you up and headbanging. The rest of the songs are brilliant also but I don't want to take up too much space!

This cd, and their next cd The Devil You Know, are essential listening for any self-respecting industrial officionado.

If you're looking for the best in industrial music, from the heart, without any homicidal, psychotic, or sadomasochistic tendencies attached, this is a fine example of it. The title of the disc describes its theme perfectly. The production is assisted by Rhys Fulber of Delerium fame and fits Trevor's voice, lyrics, and music like a glove. The mastering is an early Bob Ludwig effort.

To "A music fan from Connecticut": this album has absolutely nothing to do with the Nick Nolte film of the same name. You're looking for the soundtrack to that film, not this CD.

not to be compared with NIN. totally different music, style and point of view. but these canadians have a good future if they keep up this pace. waiting for new album soon. :)

This being Econoline Crush's 2nd cd, first full length, the follow up to the popular 6 track EP Purge, they are back with Affliction, Econoline Crush's strongest cd. While it isn't as pop rock radio friendly as their 3rd release The Devil You Know, the hard rock lines show that Vancouver really is the home of the Canadian Industrial Scene, working closely with Delirium on a number of projects Econoline Crush will revitalize Rock in the inverse of how Shenia Twain, Celine Dion and Alanis have destroyed it. Next to Outside by David Bowie, Broken by Nine Inch Nails, Affliction would be my next favourite cd.

"The Devil You Know" is Econoline Crush' 2nd Cd. This CD shows all of us a good way to express emotions.