CD Reviews

Jim Bruer and the Loud & Rowdy – Songs from the Garage

Yes, you read that right, Jim Bruer. Yes, the man who was in HalfBaked and was Goat Boy on SNL. Yes, the same Jim Bruer who looks like a blurry eyed-stoner without even trying.

Published

8 years ago

May 25, 2016

Ron

Jim Bruer and the Loud & Rowdy – Songs from the Garage

Reviewed by Ron Senyo

Yes, you read that right, Jim Bruer. Yes, the man who was in Half Baked and was Goat Boy on SNL. Yes, the same Jim Bruer who looks like a blurry eyed-stoner without even trying.

If it surprises you that he has put out an ‘metal” album then you obviously really have no clue who Jim Bruer is. Jim and his band Loud&Rowdy are bringing back old school rock/metal with doses of comedic flare.

Released on May, 27th 2016 through Metal Blade Records, the album is a good mix of pure comedy genius, rock/metal roots with the dynamic of an aging metal confronting the complexities and insanity of running a family of his own.

The album kicks off with the hit single “Thrash” for which the band has also released a hysterical video. It is the prefect song for men in their late 30’s and older stuck between wanting to be the cool rocker guy and appeasing his wife and family. It illustrates how the wife, kids, and everyone surrounding you can cramp your style. “Down goes garage door, on goes the head phones” Jim sings as he prepare to rock out in his garage. The song has a very good thrash metal sound to it with a tasty rock hooks and simply makes you want to pump your fist and sing along.

The next track “Raising Teenage Girls” is exactly what you would expect from a father and shit you have to deal with having girls. “Old School” which refers to so many kick ass rock and metal bands and all things related to them with quirky like puns. You have to listen to it a few times to get them all and still every time you will find more. The next two tracks I’d like to explain before I go into details. When AC/DC singer had to call it quits and everyone was wondering who should replace him, I had Bruer at the top of my list. Now that being said “My Rock ‘n Roll Dream” is a spoken blues type song with Brian Johnson of AC/DC. The lyrics explore Jim’s his life. “Mr. Rock ‘n Roll” is a song that Brian and Jim do together. It’s like a dream come true, good ‘ole time rock song. “Family Warrior” is another song influenced by Jim’s family, that makes you want to just head bang, with a chorus that forces you to sing along.

The CD wraps up with “The Unexplained” which begins with a nice acoustic melody then BAM! it kicks you in the chops. The album is eleven tracks of just pure awesomeness with amazing sound quality and the band that perfectly compliments Jim’s vocals.

Go out and get this album you will not be dissatisfied!

Track list:

“Thrash”
“Raising Teenage Girls”
“Old School”
“Be a Dick 2Nite”
“My Rock n Roll Dream”(featuring Brian Johnson)
“Mr. Rock n Roll” (featuring Brian Johnson)
“Who’s Better Than Us?!”
“Family Warrior”
“Sugar Rush”
“Wannabe”
“The Unexplained”

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Related Topics:Goat Boy Half Baked Jim Bruer Loud & Rowdy SNL Songs From The Garage

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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

1 month ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue

About Author

Ron

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CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2024

JJ Ulizio

9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.

Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP

Published

6 months ago

May 22, 2024

Ron

It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.”

This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album.

The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own.

“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.

THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY