68 - Give One Take One

 We almost literally stumbled upon the band called '68 when they opened for the Bronx several years ago out here in Vegas and were flabbergasted by their insane energy, batshit crazy live show and the amount of wild caterwauling that this duo was able to project. They were already sold out of all merch by that gig - justifiably - but we've made it a point to pick up whatever we can find by them and this one is their most recent release.

The first thing that jumped out at us on this CD was the SOUND - superb production and a mastering job that means that this is a LOUD record - just like their live shows! Their style is fairly indescribable - a mix of punk rock, modern metal, dreamy psyche/metal ala Boris, stripped down blues and noisy no-wave - sorta/kinda! They have played on metal festivals, which I would think would baffle that crowd, but they're pretty weird for punk rock/alt clubs, as well. They almost seem like something that we would not like at all, but we are huge fans and think that they are one of the best bands going today - at least partially due to their uniqueness.

The lyrics are strong'n'intriguing, as well. I've been told that the guys are religious and there are references to the Lord and prayer here'n'there, but nothing too overt and positively not preachy. It does kinda sound like this was a quarantine album, although that could simply be my interpretations of the words. There is a sense of humor here, as well, so they don't take themselves overly serious even as some of the sounds are truly macabre. The musicianship is pretty astounding also, especially Nikko's dynamic'n'creative drumming, but the commotion that Josh wrings out of his guitar are likewise fairly otherworldly.

I can't say that the songs are particularly catchy - there are not a lot of "hooks", per se - but they are incredibly powerful and I love this CD! Not for the weak of heart but see them when you can and definitely pick up their music - great stuff!