Published on Aug 8, 1999
It seems like any time the media gets their hands on a new buzz
phrase to describe some type of music, they end up using it to
death by describing every band to come out as falling under that
label. Alternative rock got clobbered that way, and it seems like
the same thing is about to happen with the phrase “stoner
rock”.
I don’t know whether Boston-based Roadsaw actually qualifies as
such a band; good Lord, if every band that enjoyed firing up a
doobie got labeled like this, Cypress Hill would be considered
“stoner rock”. I don’t care what this band smokes on their own
time; all I know is that their second full-length disc
Nationwide (a re-release from 1997) is an enjoyable
platter.
The band – vocalist Craig Riggs, guitarist Darryl Shepard (who
has since left the band), bassist Tim Catz and drummer Hari Hassan
– has a natural melodic style, making their music stand out among a
lot of the other stuff I’ve heard classified as “stoner rock”. This
stuff, unlike some of the sludge I’ve heard over the last few
months, actually rocks!
The sound on
Nationwide is a little on the raunchy side; I might have
opted to have increased the treble and lowered the bass just a
notch or two. But otherwise, it’s a pretty pleasant trip. While
there aren’t many moments from each member that will make your hair
stand on end, it’s the collective work that’s the key. Tracks like
“In Threes,” “Thanks For Nothing” and “Black Flower” all show why
many people are considering this band to be the next standard
bearer in the genre that spawned acts like Kyuss.
Roadsaw’s musical style reminds me a little bit of the band
Trouble, with their rhythm guitar assault on the senses; the vocals
from Riggs and Catz just help to finish framing the picture. What
it all leads up to with
Nationwide is a really good effort that transcends any mere
categorization.
You don’t need to be a fan of stoner rock to appreciate the
progress that Roadsaw shows on
Nationwide; all you have to be able to do is recognize when
a job is well done.