By
antiGUY
The
CD
Drowning Pool Sinner
Label: Wind-Up
Rating: 
Tracks:
Sinner
Bodies
Tear Away
All Over Me
Reminded
Pity
Mute
I Am
Follow
Told You So
Sermon
Now this is what Im talking about! The
perfect balance between power and melody. The Drowning Pools Sinner
packs a mean punch while delivering memorable melodies. I found myself
yelling right along to the chorus of Sinner during the first listen.
This CD grabbed ahold from the first note and pulled me relentlessly from
track to track banging my head like there was no tomorrow.
The second track and first single Bodies
is a hardcore musical assault that gives you a nice taste of what Drowning
Pool is all about, power! A moving backbeat, aggressive vocals, nice thick
powerchords-all the good stuff. That intensity keeps up for the entire
album.
Comparisons to other bands are often helpful
in music reviews. Thats a daunting task here since Drowning Pool encompasses
a lot of diverse sounds. If comparisons must be made then think of them
as Godsmack meets Pantera meets The Step Kings, yes they are really that
diverse. Even their slower song Tear Away still delivers with solid pure
rock credentials.
Its hard to hold back my enthusiasm here.
This CD literally knocked me out. But dont take my word for it, check
them out for yourself. If youre looking for a new band to stir things
up and raise the bar for heavy music, look no further than Drowning Pool.
Its a sweet addiction that will leave you screaming for more. Just listen
to the CD and check them out at Ozzfest this year to see and hear what
Im talking about.
.
The
Bio
.
Many young acts are presented with recording
contracts before life's experiences have given them the maturity necessary
to maximize the shot. Drowning Pool, a quartet from Dallas, Texas, have
walked the road of life as a band, built a substantial following through
relentless touring, and have taken advantage of every moment as a chance
to grow. All of the obstacles and challenges that have stared the band
down have been confronted and ultimately converted into fuel to turn adversity
into prosperity. They've learned the hard way, the easy way, and in every
step taken. They've taken everything that has happened to them to become
better, harder, and ultimately ready for the career that now is staring
the band in the face.
The story begins when drummer Mike Luce
and guitarist C.J. Pierce moved from their hometown of New Orleans to Dallas
in order to connect with friend and bassist Stevie Benton. "Mike and I
were jamming together for about four years and we couldn't find the right
people for the sound we were looking for," says guitarist Pierce. "Also,
New Orleans didn't have a good rock scene. It is a great place for Jazz
and Blues, which I love, but Rock is really where my heart is!!" They began
to build a following while playing around Dallas, and taking many excursions
outside the city limits. The trio sensed that one crucial ingredient was
missing, and that in order to truly emerge as a force to be reckoned with;
they needed to find a true "frontman." While their shows were energetic
and pounding, they knew that the missing link was a singer with a unique
voice and an undeniable stage presence. Dave Williams, who had been singing
in bands in Dallas for two years before crossing paths with Drowning Pool,
was the man. Nicknamed "Stage" by "Dimebag" Darrell from PANTERA, he is
a presence like none other. His sheer emotive power delivered the sound
and live electricity the band had been on the cusp of achieving for years.
Now a quartet, the band coined themselves
Drowning Pool when Stevie realized he had lost his virginity while the
movie by the same name played in the background. "It took me years to make
the connection with the movie," says bassist Benton. "I was up late one
night working on songs and trying to think of a name for the band when
I noticed the movie was on TV. It all just clicked." They then recorded
a demo, which soon wound up in the hands of the band SEVENDUST, and the
bands hit the road together. Tours with bands such as KITTIE and HED (PE)
followed and suddenly this unsigned Texas band was building a following
on a national level. Comments drummer Mike Luce, "After being on the road
with some of our favorite bands, and seeing how tight they were, we just
had to step it up a notch. With Dave in the band, we could go out there
every night and put on a sick-ass show and have a great time doing it.
It doesn't matter who we share the stage with ultimately. We are going
to deliver for the fans any day, any time."
The time on the road led the band back
into the studio where they recorded a six-song demo that showcased the
development that had come from two years on the road. That recording launched
the band onto the radio where they shot into the top ten at the biggest
station in Dallas (KEGL), and ultimately led to a deal with Wind-up Records.
Heavy in religion and relationships, the
songs on Drowning Pool's Wind-up debut SINNER go beyond hard. Says lyricist
and singer Dave Williams, "I have nothing against religion, really, I just
had organized religion shoved down my throat and I don't buy it and I don't
believe in it. The things I believe in - family, friends, and music - they
haven't let me down yet. And when it comes to failed relationships, you
try to take good from the bad, but these songs are a great outlet for the
negatives." The debut's lead single, "Bodies" is simply an anthem for the
youth of today. The lyrics order, "Let the Bodies Hit The Floor," and it
is literally a command ordering recreational, physical moshing. The ultimate
message is one of unity and togetherness as kids of all backgrounds share
the similar experience of dropping all baggage at the door as they join
together in one sheer mass of flesh. The track, "Tear Away," is an ode
to respecting one's personal fortitude, and the omnipresent importance
of valuing yourself and soul above all others." Throughout the record,
Drowning Pool's message is aggressive, powerful, and relentless in its
demand for personal perseverance and self-esteem.
Producer Jay Baumgardner (PAPA ROACH, ORGY,
COAL CHAMBER) took the band to Ocean Studios in Burbank to record their
first full-length record, and that, according to singer Williams, has been
the most important event to happen to the band. "Working with Jay has taught
us how to be such a better band. Personally, I like to mix up my voice,
add contrast to the screams, and he's been really helpful in getting great
sound on tape. We also just hear the band playing tighter than ever." On
the experience of producing the band's debut, Baumgardner echoed these
sentiments and commented, "With SINNER, Drowning Pool opens up a Texas
size can of woop ass."
Catch the band on the Ozzfest tour this
summer, and in a town near you throughout the next year. Powerful, inspiring
Rock spoken in a tongue the youth of America and The World will both relate
to and understand.
.
Want
more?
.
Visit
the official web site for news, media clips and tour dates!
Download
the MP3 for "Bodies"
Listen
to sound clips and Purchase the CD online
Album Art and Bio courtesy
of Blue October and Universal Records. All Rights Reserved by Copyright
holder.
|
