Post by thesoundmonitor on Aug 14, 2004 7:08:42 GMT -5
GAGGLE OF COCKS
American Trash
(Independent)
New York-based three piece Gaggle Of Cocks recorded this a couple of years ago now, but it only arrived at the Sound Monitor recently, so we thought we'd give it a listen, even if only for the sake of posterity.
The guitarist/vocalist (Pat Harrington) is the key here, bringing plenty of skill and a big sound, and also providing the grimy, occasionally distorted vocals which lend a leering tone to the venture. The bass player works hard and has a solid sound, which is essential in any three-piece, and the drummer has the luxury of some pretty relaxed tempos, but gets the job done.
’Horse 44’ is the first song, and the only song featuring guest bass player Beertruck. This is a quickish tune with an effective bit of stop-start riffery underlying the verses.
'King Mr Porno Cock' features a damn good mid-tempo riff, but it is hard to get enthusiastic about a song with such a silly name. Shame, because it IS a really good song.
There are times when you might be ready to write this sucker off, but there's always a good riff just around the corner. ‘CRAWL’ is a case in point. Just when you're ready to give up on it, it gets up off the floor and kicks you in the arse.
‘My Little Hell’ is a more introspective piece with an atmospheric opening, and a quieter segue later on. It's one of those slow-paced stompers that really works. It's an accomplished tune all round, and probably the pick of the bunch.
One thing that the Gaggle do well is the pause. The guitarist has a way of cutting off the end of a note just so before kicking back into the next bar. This adds to the overall sense of tightness, and provides punctuation to what, it has to be said, is a pretty damn tidy collection of riffs.
Unfortunately the style and sound aren't matched by the band's artistic vision. Some of the lyrics, song titles, and in fact the name of the band, are a tad juvenile, and simply distract the listener from the excellent guitar work and promising songwriting.
For me the phrase 'American Trash' conjures up an image of a Big Mac, and that's probably not a bad metaphor for this album. It's big and satisfies the cravings, and even though it leaves a pretty nasty aftertaste, plenty of people will find themselves going back for more.
Matt Harris
Web: www.gaggleofcocks.com
American Trash
(Independent)
New York-based three piece Gaggle Of Cocks recorded this a couple of years ago now, but it only arrived at the Sound Monitor recently, so we thought we'd give it a listen, even if only for the sake of posterity.
The guitarist/vocalist (Pat Harrington) is the key here, bringing plenty of skill and a big sound, and also providing the grimy, occasionally distorted vocals which lend a leering tone to the venture. The bass player works hard and has a solid sound, which is essential in any three-piece, and the drummer has the luxury of some pretty relaxed tempos, but gets the job done.
’Horse 44’ is the first song, and the only song featuring guest bass player Beertruck. This is a quickish tune with an effective bit of stop-start riffery underlying the verses.
'King Mr Porno Cock' features a damn good mid-tempo riff, but it is hard to get enthusiastic about a song with such a silly name. Shame, because it IS a really good song.
There are times when you might be ready to write this sucker off, but there's always a good riff just around the corner. ‘CRAWL’ is a case in point. Just when you're ready to give up on it, it gets up off the floor and kicks you in the arse.
‘My Little Hell’ is a more introspective piece with an atmospheric opening, and a quieter segue later on. It's one of those slow-paced stompers that really works. It's an accomplished tune all round, and probably the pick of the bunch.
One thing that the Gaggle do well is the pause. The guitarist has a way of cutting off the end of a note just so before kicking back into the next bar. This adds to the overall sense of tightness, and provides punctuation to what, it has to be said, is a pretty damn tidy collection of riffs.
Unfortunately the style and sound aren't matched by the band's artistic vision. Some of the lyrics, song titles, and in fact the name of the band, are a tad juvenile, and simply distract the listener from the excellent guitar work and promising songwriting.
For me the phrase 'American Trash' conjures up an image of a Big Mac, and that's probably not a bad metaphor for this album. It's big and satisfies the cravings, and even though it leaves a pretty nasty aftertaste, plenty of people will find themselves going back for more.
Matt Harris
Web: www.gaggleofcocks.com