"Prototype", the debut CD from Big Collapse,
a group of 3 transplanted New Yorkers with an honest-to-God native Los
Angeleno on drums, packs pretty near the history of post Pistols rock onto
one noisy, but tuneful package. Vocalist Josh Loucka is all exclamation
points and breathless earnestness, while the guitars of Loucka and Matt
Kane bash around the songs like kids on a sugar rush. The rhythm section
of Gavin Van Vlack (bass) and Kyle Stevenson (drums) lays down a confident,
meaty bottom that should keep the punters moving and the airwaves burning
up.
The thing I like the most about this record
is what it's not. It's not the latest cry me a river emo concoction, not
the steely eyed defender of the faith punk by the numbers', not a heavier
than thou' declaration of hatred for all the world, you know like 90% of
most new releases. Big Collapse are interested in a synthesis of all of
the above, plus more. Like most people, the band realizes that we
are not one thing, all the time. No one is always pissed off, and if they
are, then how long do you really want to share their company?
The opening track Love Empire kicks off
with a snappy drop beat, Tres punk, but suddenly a straight from the seventies,
greasy ol' wah wah guitar riff comes snakin' in, making it a party. Vocals
are very much of the Minneapolis 80's variety, high pitched and adamant,
determined to be heard, but much more melodic than one would expect from
a band with this much energy. The tune Pull Out Guts has an almost 60's
pop feel, especially on the background vocals, which Big Collapse employ
to great effect throughout the record.
Producer Ben Moore (Finch, Rocket From
the Crypt) gives the record a tight, aggressive sheen while stopping just
short of the kind of over-production that plagues most top of the chart
records, a neat trick. If there's any justice in the woods, you'll be hearing
this record on your radio and your music television of choice. No, Big
Collapse is not the second coming of anything (well, maybe Cheap Trick)
and they haven't re-invented the wheel here, but the fact that they take
the chance to let a little pop sound into the punk rock stew without turning
into Blink 183, or worse, bodes well for the band's future. I would recommend
this CD to anyone looking for a little smart and tuneful with their young,
loud and snotty.
Posted by Nick Kane:
dude, matt is my older brother
Posted by shane curtirs from subway:
i met the band members in ohio, while i was workin and i was talkin to matt and he was kick ass, and i bought there cd adn they all signed it b4 i ever heard there music...but it rocks it is awesome as hell!!! they are really cool guys too!
