Customer Reviews

Apocalicious

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

 

 

Been a fan of Victims Family for dang, must be about 15 years by now. I was upset to see them break up, since they were my favorite band... nobody played the same kind of frenetic jazzy punk with the same level of talent and energy, and remained able to keep their sense of humor... and nobody screams like Ralph, period.

When they did break up, I couldn't get into their follow-on efforts at all. It was just a totally different kind of music. The same talent and creativity might have been there, but I could not for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to listen to what they were playing unless they were on acid.

The new album was exciting to me, because I was happy to see the band re-unite, perhaps they would continue evolving their music along the lines they had in the past. Note, I'm not a fan of bands that do the same tired formula every album... VF evolved their sound to what seemed to be an approach toward perfection. Unfortunately, this album sounded more like they were about to reach the finish line of that pursuit, when they tripped on their own damn shoelaces and got trampled by the rest of the pack.

As a long-time fan of the band, I wanted to give this album a chance, but couldn't even bring myself to listen to it more than a couple of times. The only reason why they don't get one star or less is because it is VF, and even this [stuff] is better than most that is out there I suppose... I mean, at least it IS creative.

I actually postponed buying this record because of the reviews i saw here, and i regret waiting. Its another world class record from a uniquely amazing band and if you like intricate, aggressive, challenging and thoughtful music this one remains tasty and interesting for a good long time. Its like gum that is so good you want to chew 3 pieces at once, then you stick it under your table so you can chew it again later because its that yummy. Yummy is a word I use when trying to avoid talking like a sailor. Gee whiz and golly also serve this purpose.

Gee whiz this is a golly good record and i wish i bought it back when it yummy came out.

It's not perfect, and shouldn't be the first Victim's Family album you buy, but it actually DOES have value. The songs are under more control than they're older stuff, frankly. But that doesn't replace inspiration. The only reason this album doesn't reach the pinnacle of their talent is a sense that they are phoning it in-even if that isn't the case. Some of their older stuff is still relevant, but some of the songs on this album seem pointless. "the fridge" for instance, is an entirely forgettable song that really didn't deserve being on an album. That alone is why I give it 3 stars.

I just gave victims family a first listen after months of being pummeled by the alternative tentacles e-mails saying how great they are. I get the same feeling as when I first heard Nomeansno. This isn't music for sitting around thinking or reading or whatever. This is aggressive moment-oriented punk. Not to be analyzed or quoted a la DK's or the Clash, but to be experienced, like a Nomeansno/Mr.Bungle skronkfest with some style and wit thrown in for good measure.