Customer Reviews

Minuteman for the Moment

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Look What I Did is an enigma in the LA scene - aware of the times but not trendy; catchy but not radio-rock by any means; draped in irony but not to the point of pointless self-deprecation; abrasive but melodic simultaneously, making for some interesting contradictions.
Their first CD, My First Time, introduced listeners to the Nashville-raised fivesome's schizoid songwriting style, borderline-math-metal technical approach, and their ridiculous sense of humor.
However, the CD was lacking in the sense that didn't have a strong focus, and it left the listener without an idea of what exactly Look What I Did sounds like, other than sarcasm put to a Botch-esque hardcore background.
Minuteman For The Moment not only represents a band reaching their creative peak, but the elaboration of a whole new approach to the hardcore subgenre, referred to as "hardcore-pop."
For every abrasive and generally "hardcore" moment, there are delicious melodic tidbits and genuinely catchy riffs, yet nothing they do ever feels forced; if there's a more poppy section in the music, it's because they want to do it, even if the average hardcore kid won't like it (or get it.)
Songs like "Raining Pleasantries" and "The Soiree" have enough sheer power and trippy time signatures for even the most jaded grindcore fan, but plenty of melody and tasteful clean vocals to avoid mathcore-overkill.
Some of the slower songs, such as "The FOX Eats TV Ishmael" (the closest the band comes to a political statement) and "Is, Was, And Will Be," somehow keep heavy at the right moments, a feat that few bands that can pull off.
The potential singles "Appomattox Whorehouse" and the title track represent the band's attitude and approach in 3 and a half minutes well enough that they don't feel contrived or radio-friendly in the stereotypical sense, yet are initially accessable, becoming more and more complex with each listen.
Not one of the 12 tracks feels lacking; the album runs smoothly from one song to another, but no two songs sound the same, with their own sets of twists, tricks, and nasty riffs.
The band ends with a continuation of vocalist Barry Donegan's Zanzibar storyline, which ominously describes a crazed old pirate killing horses by the river; it features deliciously off-key vocals, unusual for Donegan, and a rhythm section never willing to give in until the the song starts nearing 8 minutes in length.
As a whole, Minuteman for the Moment represents a fresh face (rather, five fresh faces) in the cluttered "hardcore" scene. In 52 minutes, it does more than some bands do in their whole careers, turning the conventionalism of Victory bands and contemporaries on their heads.
This album is for hardcore fans who enjoy an album with dynamics, melodic structure and a gleefully-random stroke of scatterbrained genius about it.
Simply put, this is not an album to miss in 2005.

Look What I Did is the band your mother wanred you about. Extremely tight musicianship, with song structure to make you dizzy. If you buy one CD this year make this your choice, you will not be disappointed. Look What I Did kicks your ass, my ass and even the ass of and ass! Buy this now!

I bought this cd about a year ago and never really listened to it until recently. what a mistake! The band is extremely talented with sweet bass lines, decent drumming and some pretty cool guitar work. Most noteworthy however are the vocals. The lead singer is extremely talented going from very good clean vox then pulling off some good mid range screaming to boost the intensity. different kind of sound which is refreshing in this sometimes stale genre. Definately a band that deserves more recognition. recommended.

Look What I Did is a hard-driving, head banging group. Their lyrics are witty, deep and fun, all within the same song. The music is top notch and you shouldn't miss them live if they come to your town. The show is the best I've seen in the last year. They don't appeal to everyone...but if you like fresh and intelligent lyrics, hard rocking music with difficult time changes that can make your head spin don't miss them. There is definitely something for all hard core fans in Minuteman.

If you haven't heard these guys yet then you must do so by purchasing this CD and then seeing a live performance or vise versa. The band has played in my hometown for almost 4 years now since the begining of the band and there is a contsant improvement as to what they do and how they do it. Definitely not like anything out there at the moment and isn't and hasn't been sucked up by a "seen" that doesn't care for it or the music performed.

I have personally known Look What I Did since their conception in mid 2002. They have blown me away by the creation of this new record. It is in no way mundane to any factor or level. The sheer diversity of the record is really what sets it apart from all of the other Combat Label Artists. The record starts outs with the more hardcore influences in Minuteman, Then Brings a more pop feel with Ultimate and The Soiree. It shows a different side with The Fox bringing several melodic harmonies layered upon each other and odd jazz influenced rhythm. The record continues at a psychotic flop between several genres of Pop, Hardcore, and Alternative Punk. It finally ends with Zanziber II sasha and sebastian (the sequel to my first time's Zanzibar I the dry mouthed horsie that died at the watering hole) featuring Aimee Echo from The Start (Nitro Records). All in all, the record is fantastic and a betterment of the entire band since the release of My First Time in 2003. I highly recommend this record to anyone who has never been able to adapt to just one genre, as well as the Experimental Pop and Metal lovers. Look What I Did is a band that far extends the terms of Hardcore and is great on record as well as they are on their live performance. Having seen them many many times. Do Not Miss Out On This Record!

- JJ

This release completes the trilogy that is the Combat Records relaunch campaign. Just like their label mates, Look What I Did fall in line with the harcore/metal legacy that Combat created decades ago. Barry Donegan is a schizophrenic vocalist that screeches like Cradle of Filth and harmonizes like Incubus. The rest of the band takes their cues from the thrashers and metal gods of the past with furious riffs and pounding drum beats.

Look What I Did is to music as Hitler is to the Jews. This band's live performances sound like the term "sound check" was never invented. Upon seeing/hearing this band, I instantly think, "Between the Buried and Me" wannabes, and "I wish I made my money by randomly slapping my instrumet behind lyrics about my urges to rape women." Worst band ever.