. 

b
by antiGUY
. 

Boiler Room doesn't pull any punches with their Tommy Boy Records debut, "Can't Breath". Filled with crunchy guitar, Trent Rezner meets Scott Stapp vocals, funky beats and powerful songs that go to eleven! Opener "Do it Again" sets a high pace for the album and the remaining  tracks don't bring you back down.  If you're a riff addict, this is the must have release of the year. While most modern metal bands rely heavily on drop D tuned power-chords, Boiler Room brings the lead guitarist back into vogue with some great chops and leads. Brothers' James and Mike Meselsohn's solid rhythm section provide the perfect backdrop for vocalist Chris Lino, who seems perpetualy on the brink of a Primal Scream while keeping the tunes melodic.  The overall sound falls into the middle ground between Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden. This is one hot debut from a band that should have an easy time making a name for themselves with the current hard rock renaissance. 
. 

From the chords-grinding start-up of “Do It Again” to the stutter-crunch of “Patience”, the pounding sweep of “Insomnia” straight to the low-end riffy rumble of “No Reason”, Boiler Room doesn’t let a moment go by without grabbing the listener ‘round the ears and yanking ‘em in head-first. Produced by Kid Rock knobsman John Travis and mixed by Phil Nicolo, known for his work with LOA and Cypress Hill, Can’t Breathe is, song for song, the great New York hard rock record for generation next. 

Boiler Room has not gone unnoticed. Since forming in 1996, the foursome has been a buzzword on the local club circuit, gigging with sundry heavyweights including Type O Negative, King’s X, LOA, Clutch and Static X. They also caught the attention of local radio, winning fans at New York uberstation WXRK (KROCK). “A big highlight for us was playing a KROCK sponsored show with Orgy,” drummer Mike Meselsohn recalls. “Incredible energy in the room. We were on first and it was a packed house. We were probably the only unsigned band to ever get played as much as we have on that station! The next day, people were calling in and requesting us!” Following that outstanding early ‘99 live showing the point was clear: Boiler Room had arrived.

Whether it be from the support of local radio, hard rock press or fans, the pressure to make them proud “makes us go out there and do this 150 percent,” states Mike. The laid-back frontman Chris Lino is quick to counter. “At the same time, you’ve got to let go and enjoy yourself.” Clearly, Boiler Room is complete because of its four distinct personalities feeding off each other. “There’s definitely a balance that makes it all click,” says Chris. The band brought that focus and feeling to the production of the album with producer Travis. “Our demos were high quality,” states bassist James Meselsohn. “They were getting played on the radio and you’d never know they were demos. We definitely went above and beyond them with Can’t Breathe. The album is a lot more energetic and organic. It feels like you’re right there with the band exploding in your face!”

The band members credit the influence of New York City itself: sights and sounds. “It all filters in,” says Chris. As for musical influence, Chris adds “We don’t just get our influences from other current rock bands. I listen to everything from 60's Rock to today’s R&B and get more out of that than from, for instance, listening to a Deftones record.” Chris’ lyrical perspective is as straightforward as it comes: “Don’t hold back your feelings. You feel a certain way about something, write it down…talk about it…sing about it…scream about it!”

Boiler Room have already set themselves apart from the pack in their hometown. Still, the picture and perspective is a lot bigger. “It seemed for a long time like there was such a strong West Coast clique and there was nothing going on in New York,” says Rob Caggiano, guitarist. “They were totally running things out there. It was totally wide open for a band to come in and break out.”

Boiler Room are that band. Can’t Breathe is that record. Eleven super-charged songs that don’t give up or give in.
 

Listen to sound clips and Purchase the CD online

Check out the Tommy Boy site for news, tour dates, info and multimedia

Photos courtesy of Boiler Room and Tommy Boy Records . All Rights Reserved by Copyright holder