Customer Reviews

Suburban Blight

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

 

 

I saw one of F-Minus' videos on a Hellcat Records DVD. Erica Daking rocks. I bought the album. All four members of the band sing, like the Beatles. That's a good idea, but Erica's the only member who's any good. I have a playlist on my computer of just the songs with Erica on the mic. Those five rock. The other fifteen range from mediocre to garbage. Overall, I'd say this disque is still worth the money, because the other five tracks are absolutely brilliant.

...that matters. 20 songs in 23 minutes. Rage, speed and mind numbing intensity along with the input of 4 (count 'em!) singers, 2 male, 2 female, make this one hard hitting record. Being a huge fan of old school punk/hardcore, i often get let down a bit when i buy a newer punk album and it sounds much like the other ones i bought. This is what im always looking for. They deserve to be playing in the era when bands like Black Flag and Negative Approach existed. But in a way it's better that they are around now to keep that sound alive in the face of (ugh) Sum 41.

First off, all I have to say is WOW. If you've heard the first CD you may have an idea of just what type of band this is. If not try listening to a few samples. This CD tops their previous hard hitting album with songs like 'Suburban Blight', 'Vultures' and 'Food not God'. All band members got a crack at writing songs this time around and the contrast shows. Group vocals and vocals by other band members is also a new addition to this CD. If you haven't heard this CD go out and get it right away, and if you have the opportunity, pick up the first one as well. Chances are you've at least heard this band on a 'give 'em the boot' compilation. I gave this album 5 stars because it's harder faster and longer (F-Minus CDs are notoriously short in length) than the first, and reminds me why this band is my favorite!

Can you say "hardcore"? F-Minus certainly can, although they're more likely to scream it than actually say it. Loud, obnoxious and [angry] punk rock, this is the second full length release on Hellcat Records for the Huntington Beach (California) band. Brad Logan is responsible for most of the vocals in this co-ed band, but Jen and Erica prove that chicks can rock just as hard as guys by putting forth their fair share of aggressive vox. On the whole, I'm not completely sure how I feel about this release. On one hand, I'm a fan of venting hardcore music, and this is a band that pretty much spits the hard back into "hardcore". The politically charged lyrics are simple, yet straight-forward and well written. The band barrels though 20 tracks, which mainly focus on the money making capitalists of corporate America. The tracks that featured the female vocals were among my favorite, mainly because they added a small touch of variation on the cd.

On the downside, even though this release has 20 songs, they are over in the blink of an eye, since each track is less than 2 minutes (and most are considerably less). Also, the band could use a little variety in their vocals and overall sound. Yes, they are good at the psychotic punk, ...sound, but there is that whole "too much of a good thing" philosophy which is what seems to happen here. So is F-Minus worthy of your money? Only you can be the judge of that, but I'd say this is a release best recommended for those into raw, anger-driven hardcore.