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Album Review: Underride - Distorted Nation
by Rowan Frost
Posted on November 28, 2011
Underride: Distorded Nation
Released on April 10, 2011
Tracklist:
01 – Inside Out
02 – Paparazzi (Lady Gaga Cover)
03 – Blinded By You
04 – Love Is Like Dying
05 – Say Goodbye to Everything that's Gone
06 – Another Way Out
07 – Don't Walk Away
08 – Porn Star
09 – Do Anything To Me
10 – Candy Girl
11 – Road To Nowhere
Underride seems like the kind of band I’d listen to if I was angry or just wanted to let out some kind of strong emotion. Distorted Nation is an ecletic and robust mix of driving bluesy licks and hardcore classic grunge, with just a hint of Beach Boys thrown in for good measure. Rev (vocals) , Susuki Sixx (guitar), Princess (lead guitar), Double A (drums) and El Barto (bass), strange names from a band that just cannot be pinned down.
“Inside out” is a plain and simple rock song. No shortage of driving rhythm guitar, or growly baritone American style vocals. The two tiny solos in this are almost flippant, like too much has been pushed into one song, but it seems to work; this three minute rock standard sets a good precedent for the rest of the album.
“Paparazzi” is a cover of a Lady Gaga song of the same name. Underride transforms the song into a full blown rock epic. While the structure is very similar to the original song, the song becomes distinctly “Underride”. The verses are sung by Princess; the harsh overblown interplay between one vocalist and the other is simply fantastical.
The next section is classic rock song after classic rock song. I worried at first that it would become monotonous, but was pleasantly surprised. “Blinded by You” is heavy and technical, driving; and this is succeeded by the dynamically disorienting “Love is Like Dying”. The background music is typical of Underride, but the way it is sung suggests a ballad; an impressive feat on its own.
“Another Way Out” is the first true suggestion of punk influence in this band which shows so much versatility and variability. The hint of Dead Kennedys style wordplay combined with Nirvana style vocals really makes this song stand out. The themes of losing control and going on a killing spree are a common feature in popular music, going back through “I Don’t Like Mondays” to “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”.
Underride cannot be said to be holding back, and the songs “Porn Star” and “Candy Girl” are no exception. “Porn Star” evokes the memory of Bugsy Malone in the line “you say you wanna be a porn star”, which is just typical of Underride’s ability to talk about taboo subjects with a level of impertinence. “Candy Girl” a sleazy southern rock gem and is reminiscent of “Misty Mountain Hop” by Led Zeppelin with the classic call and response style vocals made famous by The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
This album is a solid rock standard; powerful enough to stand on its own two feet, but also influenced heavily by other bands from other genres. From The Beach Boys to Iron maiden, these guys really have got it sorted out. I give the album a well earned 7/10. They are on tour with Tantric at the moment, these guys are really worth your while to go see.
To check out Underride - Distorded Nation on iTunes click HERE
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