Cyber-Jack 

We have a long history of showcasing standout indie artists, but with this special we take it one step further and showcase standout indie artists that are making it happen on their own. 

While the goal for most DIY bands is to get their music out on their own and not wait for that "record deal", the record deal is usually the ultimate goal. And when an artist takes it upon themselves to go the DIY route with a self-release and succeed, it actually makes it easier for a label to see the wisdom of signing them. That is usually when labels will take a chance on a band that doesn't fit nicely into a little "current trend" box.  We here at the antiMusic Network wish the artists featured here nothing but success, whether it is a total DIY affair or they ultimately use their DIY skills to land a deal. 

The artists featured in this series all cover different areas of rock. The last time we featured the Irish metal band Sinocence, this time we travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the post grunge sounds of Cyber-Jack. 

The Great Red Spot is the newest release from the Brazilian Cyber-Jack.  The band has been described as industrial punk.  Coming to America shortly after their formation, the band has a seemingly distinctive New York sound.  Being compared to some of the pillars in rock and roll history, including Guns ‘n Roses and Nirvana, it means the band has chosen some tough shoes to fill.
 
Cyber-Jack is off to a good start.  The Great Red Spot is a fast paced, heavy album that will grab your attention and not let go through every grimy, sweat-soaked second.  Maybe too derivative for their own good, the band has room to improve and develop a distinct noise.  
 
“Sad One” is a deceiving song that starts with a mellow piano intro, breaking into a big Godsmack sounding riff.  “Sugar Scales” stands out with an electronic guitar sound and some swagger in Andre Ston’s vocals.  It’s this kind of combination, the familiar and the new that could be a great tool for this band to breakthrough.  
 
“Blame Game” stands out as one of the most cohesive songs on the album.  The intro to “Dopamine Days” starts with a loud, snarling rock riff but becomes pedestrian when the vocals start.  “Kids and Needles” could be best described as a Deftones outtake and “Moody Queen” follows in the same nu-metal vein but is far less interesting.
 
A brief and quiet interlude with “The Damage is Done” is the only breather on the album, quickly followed by the awesome closing track, “Flies”.
 
It might be hard to look past the band’s inspiration because it is so evident in every song.  You can hear glimpses of Nirvana, Korn, Alice in Chains, basically any band that mattered in the last 15 years.  As the case is in new bands, you have to fake it until you make it.  Cyber-Jack is on the right path and The Great Red Spot is an album that is brilliant in its tribute to all things great in rock and roll.  Expect good things.

Visit the Official website to learn more and purchase the CD

Listed on antiMUSIC best of the 2004 countdown (Keavin's list)