CD Reviews
Yigga Digga – Faded Glory (review)
If you like thick, chunky palm muted riffs, & flashy guitar leads, coupled with a skilled rhythm section and vocals HEAVILIY reminiscent of 1990’s era
Yigga Digga – Faded Glory
By JJ Ulizio
2016 is seeing all sorts of album releases. Amongst said releases this year is “Faded Glory” the new full length from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Yigga Digga. If you like thick, chunky palm muted riffs, & flashy guitar leads, coupled with a skilled rhythm section and vocals HEAVILIY reminiscent of 1990’s era James Hetfield of Metallica and Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity then this may just be an album for you.
The album kicks off fast with the title track and the bands signature chunky riffs with a galloping double bass drum beat and a choppy rapid vocal style that sets a strong pace for the rest of the disc to keep up with. The second track though, takes that established strong pace and slams it into a wall with a slower ballad-like tune called “Slave to the Life”. That being said, I feel this is the strongest song on the album. Solid songwriting, good melody, heartfelt lyrics, catchy hook at the chorus, harmonized guitar leads, but ill placed in the track listing after the pace established by the first track.
Through the course of songs like “Memory,” “Into Eden,” “Wendigo,” “Wishing Well,” and pretty much the majority of the album the band falls into an AC/DC like cookie cutter pattern. They start off with a solid and catchy metal, or a stoner rock riff and then they get on said riff like riding a horse into battle with the occasional vocal hook followed by a guitar lead and solo.
The song “Cutter” has different feel to it. Starting off with signature Yigga Digga palm muted guitar riff while the drummer plays a repeating beat rolling across his toms, it started to take on almost a Godsmack feel to it when sharp female vocals began, and quickly put that thought out of your mind. Reminiscent of Joan Jett, it was an interesting and flavorful offset to the feel of the rest of the song. Reaching vocal highs reminiscent of 80 style punk during the verse and crashing hard back into the rock metal vibe for the chorus. This track stands out as a different kind of flavor. Off putting at first because I wasn’t expecting it, but on repeated listens I found myself enjoying it more and more.
The album closes out with a rock/metal interpretation of Johnny Cash’s 2002 release “The Man Comes Around.” A valiant attempt to put a unique spin on one of the last songs Mr. Cash wrote before his death. Solid riffs and gruff vocals, but as much as I really wanted to like it, it just falls flat. A great cover song keeps the feeling and emotion of the original, while putting unique spin on it. They did put an interesting spin on the instrumentals of the song, however the feeling and emotion Mr. Cash conveys on his version just gets lost in the heavy riffage.
The musicians in Yigga Digga are extremely skillful and talented. I can imagine this album on rotation with the beer drinkers in the rock bars. If you like catchy riffs, catchy hooks, and guitar solos or are fans of mid 90’s radio metal then this album is for you. The album drops at their CD release party on 06/10/16 at The Smiling Moose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more info on where you can find Yigga Digga or where you can pick up their music check out their live shows visit their website by clicking here.
Buy Yigga Digga’s “Faded Glory”:iTunes | Amazon | Google Play | Yigga Digga’s Official Store Follow Yigga Digga: |
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CD Reviews
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
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
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CD Reviews
VENDED: Album Review
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
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CD Reviews
DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP
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
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Kathy Meals
June 4, 2016 at 12:49 am
Yigga Digga has the talent and drive to go as far as they want to. I personally love them. They know how to ROCK the place and crowd. Some of my favorite things about this band are the same things that I love about the greatest rock and rollers we’ve seen in our time. First their best will grab you and then the words will blow your mind. Before you know it you’ll be moving every part of your body to that Yigga Digga beat and be looking for something else you have that you could move. They know how to give you more of what you came for. And they’re not done yet. The emotions that Lead singer Tommy expresses when he sings will make you feel them too. I am proud to say that I love this band and you will too.