Live In Nick's Bedroom (demo),
BankshotWhen I see that a demo uses covers for half the tracks I know I’m going to be in for a bumpy ride. The demo itself was recorded in drummer Nick’s bedroom into what sounds like two plastic cups and a piece of string before being scratched into a CD by hand using an industrial chisel. There’s plenty of heart here, and the first 40 seconds of track 4 ‘Crack the safe’ actually remind me of an old song by the Offspring from their self-titled days. Unfortunately, heart alone does not a good record make. Or even a demo. These 40 seconds of brief aural relief is surrounded by a mess. Track #1 ‘Macho Man’ is straight out of the Pennywise book of predictability and although traditional punk (this release included) doesn’t need high quality recording to get its message cross, it still needs to be of sufficient standard to discern the bass from the guitar.
To be honest, I’ve said all that needs to be said about this demo, but I’ll just expand slightly. This isn’t as bad as it could have been, and I’m sure they get a decent response from their local crowd, but this must surely sound better live. I’d recommend another crack at the recording game in a year’s time after saving up a little for a couple of days’ studio time. There’s nothing offensive here, and the passion it’s done with gets it a little credit, but that’s all it can possibly achieve with a bedroom recording. If you’re looking for old-school angry punk, though, I’d have a listen when they produce their next offering just to see if they get something of substance together; practice makes perfect, as they say.
Spud
