System Of A DownToxicity
Album number two for System Of A Down and they do not disappoint. This album is just as hard and as perfect as the first one. What I mean by perfect is that you can listen to this CD from beginning to end and not want to change a note. There's nothing lacking nor is there too much. Some people can't deal with System's style, and I admit they are a bit harsh, but that doesn't take away from the words and the nice changeups they employ via the chorus. I've seen System perform live at the L.A. Coliseum, and my outlook and opinion of them has never been the same. There are three main criteria to consider when evaluating bands: musical talent, originality, and how well they perform live in front of a crowd. These guys have it all. Serj Tankian (the lead singer for System Of A Down) has one of the best personalities and the most energetic act I've ever seen come from a front man (aside from Zack de la Rocha, from Rage Against the Machine). Serj and his band play so well together and they seem to enjoy it much more than other bands do. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it. But in the meantime go pick up this CD. Go online to www.systemofadown.com. -chux
Saves The DayStay What You Are
Many of you are wondering what the heck Emo is. Some of you thought we just spelled something wrong, but some music fans know what the genre represents, and may be surprised to see an Emo band getting a review in Car Audio Magazine. We here at Car Audio do not discriminate against any kind of music. If it's good and sounds good in our cars, we like it. Emo is a fairly new style of rock; some call it punk without the spunk, some say it's the best thing to happen to music since the phonograph. This style of music is known as an abbreviation for emotional, meaning emotional rock or punk rock. One thing about Emo bands is that most of their songs are really catchy, melodic, and usually you find yourself singing along after only listening to them a few times. This Emo band is actually being played on a few radio stations across the country. "At Your Funeral" has been #1 on a few radio shows, and is one of the best songs on this CD. "Freakish" is also a track that's been gaining much attention among music lovers. All the lyrics on this CD are not only catchy, but if you really listen to what they are actually saying, the lyrics are quite interesting. I've gotten a few people interested in this band and now some of those people are even bigger fans than I ever was. These guys really do tend to have that effect on some people. Go buy this album and see for yourself. Go to www.savestheday.com. -chux
AzdachaoUndecided Winds
A friend, a brother, a son, an uncle and most of all, a musician. On Monday September 3, 2001 Joey Martinez was taken from friends and fans without warning. He was only 22 years old but he had already been a part of two well-respected hardcore bands, including Azdachao. For those of you who haven't heard what we call O.C. hardcore: it's a whole lot of screaming with hard-hitting drums and fast guitar riffs. To best appreciate it you have to see a live performance. Joey was really good at getting the music across. To hear him sing released you from yourself. Azdachao was just getting started, so if you want more info or see them perform, or want to pick up their CD please try to contact Chris at 562-918-5145. Even though Joey is gone the band remains together, with various guest vocalists stepping in at each show. The band also leaves one mic open at every show so that the crowd may sing along, and to show Joey that he will never be replaced. This review is meant to honor the man and his music. I'll end this with a few lines that he penned for his best friend Del Mora: "Feeling this for days, turning my world around, there's no way I wouldn't be here for you. Through thick and thin, like a brother, you're in my skin; differences shake us, but love really makes us; I'll reach out and never spend my life without you... These Are The Best Of Days"... -chux