Customer Reviews

Undercover Sessions (Dig)

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

 

 

Earlier in the year, after their 2005 effort, "One Nation Underground," had received little to no support, Ill Nino announced they were parting ways with their record label, Roadrunner Records. It wasn't too long, however, until they found a new home in Cement Shoes Records (also home to their tourmates in Godhead and Ra) and recorded what is an undeniably enjoyable 5-track EP, "The Undercover Sessions." Proving they are still alive and around, "The Undercover Sessions" unveils two brand new songs and three covers tracks from the likes of Nirvana, Faith No More and Peter Gabriel.

Sounds Like: The way Ill Nino should sound.

The Good:
- The two new songs are more traditional Ill Nino, and in turn, are just better than the material found on "One Nation Underground."
- Despite being a quickie on an indie label, the production and the overall quality doesn't suffer.
- Chino Moreno, of the Deftones, has a spot on a cover of Faith No More's "Zombie Eaters."

The Bad:
- Well, since it's really good and it's just an EP, it will leave you wanting much more.
- It's a limited pressing, so you might miss it if you wait around for it.

Future: "The Undercover Sessions" is a great restart for the band. Where on their last CD they were starting to lean more into metalcore territory, it's good to hear them sounding more like themselves. The next full-length album could be one of the best of their career if they keep this up.

Personally: I'm not the biggest Ill Nino fan in the world, but I was intrigued by this EP. The covers are diverse and stay true to their original, and the new songs definitely satisfy. I will surely be looking forward to their next album.

Best Listened To When: You gotta get away from zombie eaters and red rain.

Even though its a short cd, its a nice thing to add to your collection. The two new songs are both VERY well written, and they just keep getting better everytime they put something out. I alone however, bought it for the Faith No More cover 'Zombie Eaters' (featuring Chino Moreno). This cover is near perfect, and i cant stop listening to it. Although its a cover song, it could easily pass as their own, and flourish.

Arrastra - 5/5 great song, hope it makes the new full-length.
Zombie Eaters - 10/5 this cover is beyond great to me.
Reservation For Two - 4/5 another great song to add to the library.
Territorial Pissings - 3/5 not a great choice of song for them, but good.
Red Rain - 3/5 also not my cup of tea, but done well.

Also, there were only 20,000 pressed, so if you want this, get it.

If you are a big fan of them, this is worth checking out, but otherwise, stick to their first two albums and until they put something out that is really good again, just live in the past. 2.5 stars.

ill nino is one of my fav bands. when i found out about this ep i looked for it right away...i mean come on its a limited edtion ep. anyways the two new songs are amazing and do not disapoint. And the covers....just amazing this whole ep is just amazing. ill nino has major talent and you can hear it all on this record. if your a fan of ill nino and do your self a fav and get this ep before you cant.

a good song to start with. "ARRASTRA" blasting on my radio reminds me of what rock music used to be. the band puts on a new twist for"RESERVATION FOR TWO" which also makes this track worth listening to."ZOMBIE EATERS" featuring chino moreno. a perfect song for a perfect guest on an album. chino brings a little extra spice to the band. "RED RAIN" just close your eyes when listening to this track. christian does a hell of a job on vocals sounding identical to peter gabriel, which makes it the perfect song for the band to cover. another cover the band decided to do, and do well "TERRITORIAL PISSING" kurt cobain would be proud. the band covers this song very well.

Yet another Ill Nino album that does not disappoint! These guys just keep getting better and better. Along with three very well done cover songs comes two brand new Ill Nino tracks, "Arrastra" and "Reservation for Two". Christian mixes the perfect amount of screaming and singing, and the music as always is top notch. If you liked any of their previous albums, do not hesitate to pick up this album, it will not disappoint.

Ill Nino is my favorite "new" band and this EP just reasserts my contention that these guys rule! It contains two new Ill Nino tracks plus three interesting choices of covers. And at this price, you can't go wrong! I agree with another reviewer here. Ill Nino has never disappointed me!

"Arrastra": Straight-up Ill Nino! Power track with gut-wrenching screams, incredible vocals, some Latin rhythms, and a few Spanish verses. This track just kicks!
"Zombie Eaters": I vaguely remember this track by Faith No More who I remember mostly for "Epic." If you know that band, you know they had some complicated material that blended metal, rap, and all kinds of styles. Blending different styles is what Ill Nino is all about, so this cover makes plenty of sense. It starts off slow and beautiful with Latin guitar and percussion mixed in to give it that Ill Nino flavor. Then it explodes (sound familiar?). Some Spanish thrown in makes this track very Ill Nino. Chino Moreno of the Deftones makes an appearance.
"Reservation for Two": The softer, more accessible side of Ill Nino and my favorite of their tracks. There is a lot of passion in this song: "If I would have nothing still would you want me."

"Red Rain": I didn't even know this EP was coming out until I ran across it perusing a record store. I scanned it in the listening station, started checking out the tracks and then heard something very familiar. Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain"! Wow! Awesome choice! One of my favorites off of his very popular 'So' album, just behind "That Voice Again," and it doesn't get near the play as those big music video hits off that album ("Sledgehammer" and "Big Time") which aren't as good. Christian Machado sings it perfectly! They are very true to the song but add their own stamp to it with some Latin percussion and heavy guitar riffs. My favorite part is the build-up in the middle of the chorus with the percussion. A restrained power. A lot of passion in this track, too. My favorite track on this EP!
"Territorial Pissings": Maybe one of my least favorite Nirvana tracks off Nevermind, but Ill Nino does such an excellent job covering it, I may change my mind about it. While Kurt Cobain's screaming always bugged me on this track, Machado is very restrained and it improves this song, IMO. They add a soft, Latino part and then just fly! If you are an Ill Nino fan, don't hesitate to buy this EP!

I don't care if it has five songs this album was still great as usual all their albums was hot especally revolution/revolucion but this album was great. It's worth it for some reason that song reservation for two on this album bring back alot of great mamorys, but great album.

Firstly, I can not get this album in Australia, thanks Amazon! Ill Niño's 2 new tracks are great, admittedly not their best. As for the covers, don't know the original 'Red Rain' but like it. 'Territorial Pissing' is an excellent cover with Ill Niño's distinctive branding and 'Zombie Eaters' is an awesome tribute to Faith No More, stand-out track.

I'm from France and it's not available there... I order it on amazon USA... It's so great ! Do not hesitate to buy it... Good times