Customer Reviews

Crosssing With Switchblades

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I've been a fan of Scared Of Chaka since "Masonic Youth," back in 1996. "Crossing With Switchblades," their seventh big record, is probably their most solid, confident, well-produced record to date. Cisco and Ron must have bought a few volumes of the "Pebbles" series recently, as the mid-60's garage influence that's always been present in their songs steps out in full force here, more than before, which makes "Crossing With Switchblades" their most fun album ever, though all their records will turn a frowny face upside down. Some of the best moments on "Crossing With Switchblades" happen when you least expect them. "Permission To Die" is one of the angriest, hardest songs they've ever done. The title track is reminiscent of Weezer (!), but without the emo residue or the fourteen-year-old girl fanbase, while "My New One's" intro almost sounds like Jawbox. These moments, however don't detract from the identity of the album, rather they help distinguish it from the hundreds of bands out there ripping off Kinks riffs.

"Crossing With Switchblades" is one of the best albums of the year so far. Few bands combine melodic punk with garagey rock and roll like Scared Of Chaka.

Another incredible folking album from an incredible band.