Heroic Doses split CD,
Black Tax
I'd read a lot of positive comments about both of these bands, so I expected good things. Just two songs into this 10-song split and I'm sorely disappointed. By the time 19-minutes are up, I'm left scratching my head - maybe because of all the good comments I'd read I was expecting something a bit more than is here. The basic fault I have with both of these bands is in the vocal department. I just cannot stand those on offer from Black Tax, a kind of horrifying screech which ruins the good work the band otherwise carry out. And while the Davey Havok-esque style suits Heroic Doses' Naked Raygun-inspired punk rock, it's just not as listenable as it should be.
And maybe it's just my personal taste, but songs that otherwise should be excellent ('Kotto' and 'Quick Smart Stop Start' should be fantastic) are ruined by the horrifying warble that eminates from the speakers. Black Tax aren't bad, they're just not to my tastes. And while you have to appreciate song structures and the fast and furious nature of the guitars, the vocals just aren't up to scratch in my book. Heroic Doses do better, but again are let down by a vocal style which isn't strong enough and lacks a distinguishing feature. Again fast and furious, there's just something missing that would make it stand out for me. Still, both of these bands are attracting the plaudits, so maybe I've just missed the point. Check them out to make up your own mind!
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