Customer Reviews

General Electric

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to agree with the other reviewers - Kiwis have known about Shihad for quite a while - they're practically a NZ rock institution now. Anyone who has seen them live knows what we mean - they blow the mind. On this album they've managed to combine the songwriting beauty of the self titled album, the immense power 'wall of sound' guitars of 'Killjoy', and if you even listen to Churn, you can hear traces of that on this album too. the song 'the General electric' is, imho, the best song on the record, but they're all strong. 'Wait and See' is also particularly good, and if you want something to singalong to while still stomping then look at 'Sport and Religion.' Where can they go from here? Only up. Time to conquer the world, boys!

I feel sorry for Americans. 99.9% will never hear this album (unless the rumours of a major US release are true, fingers crossed). Which is a pity as this is easily the best straight ahead ROCK album of the year. The band members are exceptionally talented musicians and Jon Toogood (the most apt name ever) is the greatest frontman ever. The opening track is just a sort of electronic hum that gets louder and them drops you in the wall of sound that is "My Minds Sedate". This song just ROCKS! HARD! (the video clip for this is awesome as well). Standout track "The General Electric" starts of with trippy techno noises and spacey guitar noodlings before the rhythym section starts up(Tom and Karl rule) then after the first verse out of nowhere comes the biggest MONSTEROUS riff you will ever hear. This song must be played at full volume.

Other tracks are sweet pop-metal of "Pacifier" (definately a song that could break SHIHAD in the US), "The Thin White Line" which hits like a sledgehammer with its pounding riff and angry vocals, the aptly named "The Metal Song", the soaring "Spacing", the techno-rock of "Wait and See", the bouncy "Sport and Religion" (both these songs always get the mosh pit cranking with their danceable beats).

All the songs rock (except for last one which is pure techno and therefore sort of out of place). This album is a must have for ANY rock fan and it wont take many listens to get into as all the songs are hook laden. Buy it and you will not be sorry. This band truly rocks and deserves worldwide success. And as says in the notes "PLAY LOUD".

(And if you ever get the chance, see them live at the NZ Big Day Out they upstaged everyone including NIN and the Red Hots!)

Be aware: rock's played not only in the states. And you lost a lot - if you haven't listened to this cd: Shihad rocks and blows away anyone who's got more or less good taste.

My Mind's Sedate will shake you well with its punk energy and heavy guitar riffs. One of the most refreshing tracks on the cd.

General Electric is a kind of a concept song, very shihad-like, and so much impressive. Wait and See with its catchy tune and a richer keyboards sound will present another side of the band, which is as much perfect. Pacifier is a born-to-be-cool hit pleasing with its mellow heavy tune. Metal Song, Just Like Everybody Else, and Thin White Line are awesome rockers that sound only to enjoy the heavier tunes lovers. Sport and Religion is another good techno-heavy melody that makes you really like the band's general style. Spacing and Life in Cars will make you happy whatever you may have expected from Shihad: these are just perfect rock, nothing else.

Go get the cd, and never forget: rock's become international long ago, and there's a lot of good music all around the globe.

A power chord, riff-laden, hard working album that is worth the extra cost to buy it as an import. Tired of spending money on CD's with one or two good songs and the rest filler material? With the exception of "Life in Cars" this album is nothing but good songs. Listen to it loud and enjoy... By the way what the heck is an Antipode?

The General Electric is one of those albums you can listen to right through and not get bored. The songs all flow together quite nicely, which is a plus for any CD. This is the fourth offering from Wellington based band, Shihad. Although not their absolute best, it is certainly up there.

Stand-out songs are of course My Mind's Sedate, The General Electric, Pacifier and Sport & Religion. Others seem to flow quite nicely between these tracks.

I can imagine this album will stand the test of time, unlike many albums by artists during it's time. This album is different to Killjoy, Churn and Shihad as it is more laid back, and generic sounding. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing, as eacgh album seems to have it's own unique sound, while still being the same band.

This album is generic rock without the bored singers and musicians. It is not very original when compared to their other 3 albums. But it is far better than their recent CD "Pacifier".

Overall, If you are new to Shihad, I would consider forking out for Killjoy or Churn as they depict what Shihad was orginally about.

Check these guys out live! they rock! this album is an excellent hard rock album. Songs such as "my minds sedate" & "the general electric" have great riffs and are really good songs. The song, "Pacifier" (also the bands new name), is a slower, more 'listener-friendly' song. great album.

Alright you people on the net, we here in NZ have known about these lads for a while; live they've always been good, and now they've got an album out that showcases their talent in a great way. From the punk attack of "My Mind's Sedate" to the big rockin' title track or the building crescendo of "Spacing" this is a rock album for the ages, almost flawless in its execution. And if they swing by your town, give them a look, you'll thank me for it.

Quite simply the best rock band on the face of the planet right now. If you have bought any 'important' rock albums in the last 10 years, then you must also own this.

Wow, what a CD. Once again Shihad prove that they are the greatest band you've never heard of with their 4th and best CD so far: The General Electric! Lead singer Jon Toogood's screaming vocals, the rifty merciless guitar of Phil Knight, The booming bass of Karl Kippenberger and the great heavy beats of Tom Larkin combine to blow your mind and bang your head. All tracks are great and there are no frayed ends. The way the intro leads smoothly into the first and greatest ever NZ rock track "my minds sedate" sets the tone for the entire abulm. Everything is pure gold from the hard rock of my minds sedate, just like everybody else and metal song to the sing along life in cars and sport and religion and the haunting beauty of pacifer. Buy it if you love rock!

The one word that keeps coming up when talking about these guys is ROCK (just have a look at the other reviews) and with good reason. If you can, listen to "My mind's sedate" or the title track or "Just like everybody else" and you'll hear why: glorious power guitar chords & riffs, Jon Toogood's (real name?) amazing voice, and lyrics that take a hard look at the world as it is. A great rock record that lasts. One last thing: if you like what you hear the slightest bit, you have to see them LIVE - they are breath-takingly passionate in concert.