Published on Aug 21, 1998
Before I start, I do want to admit something. I’m always
apprehensive whenever I pick up or listen to new artists or bands –
at least, new to me. I am quick to remember all of the
dissapointments and all of the bad experiences. However, I rarely
remember all of the good surprises and all of the shocks that have
happened. Why do I mention this? Because I got this from
up-and-coming Florida band Neurotica and their debut album,
Seed. The band is described as “trip-rock”: a mixture of
metal, industrial rock and modern rock, among other things.
The album starts off with the tough and kickin’ “Deadly Sin” –
written by producer Brian Johnson (yes, of AC/DC), this song is a
good way of kicking off an album. Not only that, but there’s also
other songs like “If,” “Invisible Path,” “Now!” and “One Day” which
all are hard and heavy. The songs fly with the subtlety of a Bruce
Lee kick to the groin.
The band is also able of slowing things down – on songs
“Evenings Away” and “Free.” They explore other sides of the music
and prove that you don’t have to be pounding away like a hammer all
the time.
There are a few missteps. “Cornucopia” does suffer some from the
fast delivery attempted by lead singer Kelly Shaeffer. About the
only person I can take that from is from Busta Rhymes. Also,
there’s too many times when the band starts off slow to kick right
at the chorus–like “Easy Speak.” It’s not bad, but if it’s
appearing in other songs, it can get boring real quick. Then,
there’s “Mink” – where the band attempts to mix sex in, but the
music doesn’t help the lyrics.
Overall, I think that band has the talent to be a force. If I
could compare this album to another (and I think I can), then
Seed could very well be Neurotica’s
Kill ‘Em All. In both albums, one can hear the talent, the
skills and the drive. Hopefully, in time, the band will deliver on
the promises of its first album.