Customer Reviews

Solid Guild

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this album at their show in Denver. They are a very impressive band to see live with an incredible amount of energy and a unique rock sound. They push it to where they almost sound as if they are about to fall into a cacophonous mess, but then they pull it all back together with even more intensity at the last second. This calculated ebb and flow of energy makes then a unique sound among so many new rock bands in the indie rock resurgence. I highly recommend you check out this album and by all means, catch them live!

With their debut album, Solid Guild, Portland,OR-based the Joggers have done a remarkable job of expanding the possibilities of a traditional pop-rock quartet. Boasting a sound influenced by bands such as the Fall, Polvo, and -- most of all -- Pavement, the Joggers represent not an amalgam, but an evolution of their predecessors.

On "Loosen Up," the first of many precious stones on Solid Guild, the Joggers stretch and take us on a warm-up run prior to commencing the 11-song race that makes up the rest of the disc. "Loosen Up" is not only the slowest song on the album, but a sort of three-minute Philosophy of the Joggers as Ben Whitesides sings, "What makes us think that we're smart when we don't even know how it will end/ What makes us think that we're old when we don't even know when it began." And indeed, anyone looking for a soundtrack to contemplate the darker sides of human existence should not choose Solid Guild, which is more of a NOW That's What I Call Music! 23 for college radio station DJs.

Following "Loosen Up," the race begins with "Hot Autism," where Whitesides and Murphy Kasiewicz earn their stripes as true indie guitar heroes. Keeping up with the dynamic duo are the consistent drumming of Jake Morris and bass playing of Darrell Bourque. Another contender for best song would have to be "Neon Undercarriage," whose poppy, yet innovative melody starts with the bass and drum alternating leads before the guitars kick in and the four stroll along, complete with all four members contributing on vocals. "Blurred Digits," the second-to-last track on the album, is perhaps the best demonstration of Whitesides and Kasiewicz's slanted and enchanted guitar playing. Starting out from a fade-up, the song slowly builds until halfway through the song, at which point the guitars race ahead of the pack until Morris' symbols slowly bring them back to a steadier pace.

Besides the innovative guitar tunings that would make Sonic Youth beam with pride, tracks like "Back To The Future," "Little Kings," and "Same To You" feature claps, cow bells, and barbershop-quartet-style vocals that distinguish the Joggers from other bands. All told, Solid Guild leaves us with the impression of a band trying to utilize the experimental guitar work and vocal styles of Pavement, Polvo, and the Fall while adding the occasional acoustic anomaly, all of which keeps the songs fun and light hearted. Packed with melodic songs that are catchy, yet unpredictable, the disc and its creators stand out as one of the finest to emerge in 2003.

i was lucky enought to go and see these guys in concert, and, let me tell you that this had changed my life. the joggers' backround melodies and rough, beautifully, sometimes hectic drumming had turned me into a fan for life. the band is all around nice couple of guys who just bring the music to you on a silver platter. if you find yourself listening to music like the french kicks and hot hot heat then buy this cd. this cd turned into an instant favorite of mine the first time i put it into my cd player. for the first time in my life i found a flawless cd, this solid guild has not one bad song on it, i could not believe it! well, all i have to say is do not contimplate about buying this, this is a sure-bet, i guarantee this cd will not let you down.

The Joggers position themselves between Hot Hot Heat and The Walkmen. Great stuff; sticky sweet...

The Joggers prove with Solid Guild that they are excellent musicians. The songwriting, vocals, guitar, and drums are excellent. The album is a definite hit, and anyone who listens to Back to the Future, Neon Undercarriage, Loosen Up, and Oriental Alarms would agree. Loosen Up is an great song to start the album with, and does exactly what the title says. You are immediatly hooked once you listen to that song. There are a few points that keep the album from full brilliance, but all in all it is an awesome album, and definiatly one to consider buying. The Joggers are definiatly a band with talent and the chance to make it big.

Who likes Rock n' roll? Who likes to tight guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and head-bobbing base lines? We all do, and thats why you all will love this new piece of indie rock genius from these four guys who probably sit around playing their guitars a little more than they actually go jogging. But good for us, perhaps it would not rock as hard. My advice: buy it, ingest it, and good luck keeping it out of your CD player. Rock on Joggists!

Like a more chaotic, plugged-in-at-all-times Pavement.

The Joggers are on to something with their album, "Solid Guild." The bong rattling bass of Darrell Bourque is mind bending while the politically charged lyrics are recited (in the style of Gregorian Chant) with mellifluous tones and perfect diction.

"Neon Undercarriage" makes the listener want to straddle the neon "Club Supersex" sign in Montreal and ride it into oblivion.

The Flux Capacitor never stops ... fluxing ... during "Back to the Future."

I often found myself pondering the greater mysteries of the universe whilst listening to "Solid Guild." Thrilling themes like "hydogen atoms in an excited state" and "the importance of money and hate in a communist society" raced through my mind during most of the album. I often found myself stroking my forearm and rocking back and forth.

This album is so brilliant and thought provoking, I almost stopped listening.

This album is a must-have for any serious collector of stamps, etc. The bong rattling bass of Darrell Bourque is mesmerizing. The lyrics (recited in the traditional Gregorian Chant style) are politically charged diatribes against all that is evil in the world ... i.e. women, healthy lifestyles and non-smokers.

The listener is bombarded with an orgy of ear bending orgasms leaving him/her longing for "the treatment" as administered by Greta the Terrible.

Fantastic album. Buy it or die.

...contrary to what the reviwer below stated. Too alternative indie to enjoy. Simply, this music isn't that good.