I say nice things about Chimaira and Mushroomhead, and not so nice things about Dope and the Autumn Offering.
Also, from the new issue of Relix (Michael Franti cover):
CHRIS BERRY AND PANGEA
Dancemakers
Wrasse
If only this album was instrumental. Then it would be possible to focus on the grooves, which are more solid than not. Unfortunately, Berry's voice pierces through the bass-heavy, glossy mix, and lyrics like "We rockin' down racism every day/We rockin' down racism in every way" squiggle into the listener's brain like malign larvae. [Whatever, dude.] Still, it's hard to deny the appeal of touches like the analog synth blurts on "Axe Forgets" or the pleasant acoustic guitar and percussion intro to "Why Do We." Berry is a white dude from California who moved to Africa and internalized the continent's rhythmic vitality. His arrangements and production job indicate he's got the musical aspect of his work firmly in hand. [Now he should shut up.]
[Stuff in brackets was in original text, but removed by editor for fear of offending hippies.]
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