EXIT ELVIS
Those of you who have seen my review last year for
Tribe of Judah's EP should know
that I LOVE this band. Simply put, they are one of the better
acts to emerge onto the scene in recent memory. Led by the charismatic Gary
Cherone (yup, he led EXTREME and then fronted VAN HALEN... briefly),
this band is a 180 degree turn from either of the aformentioned acts.
Cherone, who was always and intense frontman and terrific singer, really
goes
for the gold on this full-length CD. Joined by ex-Extreme bassist Pat Badger
and Drummer Mike Mangini, and introducing the amazing Leo Mallace
on guitar, these guys create music that is bold, intense, stunning and
haunting all while retaining memorable hooks, choruses and melodic ideas.
I don't remember the last time I've heard a song as intense as 'Left For
Dead' or as stunning as the title track 'Exit Elvis', with it's rock-opera
stylings
and jazz overtones before climaxing into a bombastic finale that leaves you
breathless. I also can't believe these guys aren't bigger than any of the
shit-eating bands out there is beyond me. I know, STIGMA!!!!! The music
industry and record buying public are fairly narrow minded when it comes
to their choices in music and what's hot and what's not (this may explain
how an absolute talentless band such as The White Stripes can get a
record deal). Cherone, who experienced fame with the fabled 'More Than
Words' acoustic ballad (which got really fucking tiring when it was on in
the first place) has never been able to shake that song off his back. For
crying out loud, I hear radio advertisements for TOJ with 'More Than Words'
playing in the background....HUH!!!!! But honestly folks, this is one kick
ass disc and should be given some serious attention. Each track shines,
from the hypnotic/exotic 'East of Paradise' to the intense 'Celibate' and
'In My Dreams', this disc never lets up and never stops making you wonder
why there aren't more bands trying to write better music. I can only hope
that some of you may go out to your local CD store and plunk down the
$14 for this disc and really LISTEN!!!! It's terrific stuff made by some
terrific musicians who are leagues ahead of their peers and far beyond
talented.
