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Shooting Blanks: Double or Nothing
Sadly, it seems like there are more band breakups than there are new band formations; often despite the understanding that the music is good, the band cannot work out differences. And sometimes, the band members just move on, outgrowing the band. Shooting Blanks is one of those bands that has already split up even before I had the privilege of reviewing their CD, Double or Nothing. The CD is good. Better than good, it is surprisingly kick ass. The songs are fast, punchy, in your face with some superb drum and guitar playing. There are strong punk sounds, mixed in with some coastal Virginia rock stylings. I tapped my toes from the first track to the seventh and then listened again. Rome, the lead singer who also plays bass, isnt the best vocalist Ive ever listened to, but he does a sufficient job on the tracks, and his vocal style does fit the musical style, which really helps the sound to mesh. Josh, the drummer, is great, and his playing makes the drums stand out as the best part of each track. The excellent percussion is what has stuck with me most through the several listens I gave Double or Nothing. My favorite track is number seven, 2nd Chances. Romes voice flows much more smoothly in this track, and doesnt sound so forced, something that can be a downfall of pop punk bands like this. Some of the tracks sound more like screaming than singing, and this track is the exact opposite. Again, the drums are the highlight of the song, and Josh delivers from the first instant to the last. One final point to note is the excellent guitar playing by Matt and Paul. Perhaps I have heard so many talented guitarists and so few talented drummers that I was just overwhelmed to hear such a great drummer from a broken-up band. Nonetheless, Matt and Paul are talented guitarists, and show that on each track. In fact, the entire band is quite good, and the CD was better than I expected. I suppose I expected there to be major musical flaws in a group that is now split, but there were no noticeable cracks or flaws. Double or Nothing is a solid CD from a solid group of musicians.
You can purchase this album at CD Baby, MP3.com, and Interpunk LEFT OFF THE DIAL's Shooting Blanks page About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
