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a. diverse ( di*verse )different, varied. I suppose if there was a word to describe the Inland Empire alternative music scene, diverse would be the only appropriate word. Maybe schizophrenic too, but that's a whole other story. all of a sudden volume one...this compilation is the definitive CD regarding what is going on, sound wise in the Inland Empire. Besides bleeding from the alternative vein, this is not a genre specific compilation, but then again, why would you want a CD full of bands that sound exactly the same? The one thing these bands do have in common, along with creativity, is that all of these songs are radio ready. Whether it's College radio or a Major Market alternative station, these bands, these songs deserve recognition. I said before that all of these bands deserve recognition, but as with all music, some stand out a little more than others. To keep this review short, here are some track highlights. Conspiracy of Thought's Seige Engine seethes with socio-political wrath. By now you would think that the rap-rock stylings had run it's course, but the way the angered rapper hands off the verse to the anguished singers chorus, you can feel that there is nothing borrowed here. So put the Rage Against The Machine comparisons to rest. Honesty and integrity can't be faked. Stigma's new release is already reviewed on CD Baby, so not to waste any space, I'll just say that the song present on this compilation All I Live For is only a sample of the immense talent and future this band holds. The Hollow and Sangre songs share some of the same structure characteristics. They drive you to fury with their instruments over growling vocals, and then lull you to a peaceful place within the bridge, only to leave you wanting more as the songs end. Was it worth it?... by 151 has an interesting history. It started out as a hidden track buried on 151's CD Poisoning The System, which was well reviewed on CD Baby. The difference with this version is that it was recorded live at the Galaxy Theatre and perfectly captures the enormous power of 151 live. How can I describe Substance A... imagine if Gwen Steffani joined Jane's Addiction at their best, with out the whiny Perry Ferrell of course. Ailment contains layers of sonic depth, with a topcoat of hurt filled vocals. The Almighty Grind and Esoteric7 are musicians who mix rock and rap, but with a twist of smooth jazz and reggae influences throughout. A great thing about both bands is that they seem to record live and do not rely on studio manipulation to get their sound across. Scrimmage Heroes pick up the torch where the Posies and Dramarama dropped it. I've been a Scrimmage fan for a while and they never cease to amaze me, whether it's live or every new single they release. End of Books is only a hint of their pure pop power. Get The Girl, all girl pop punk at its finest, Shut Up! is a perfect mix of angst and independence. I could most likely go on and on about the rest of the bands on the compilation, they deserve to be noticed and they will be, soon...by you. Nigel Taylor Local Reviewer Catapult Magazine Check out the artist's website: http://www.ienoise.com Track List: 1. Conspiracy of Thought - Seige Engine 2. Stigma - All I Live For 3. Hollow - Karma 4. Sangre - Can't Feel 5. Silent Scream - Without A Clue 6. 151 - Was It Worth It? 7. Substance A - Ailment 8. The Almighty Grind - Sun God 9. Esoteric7 - Fax 10. Leave The World - Off the Edge 11. Scrimmage Heroes - End of Books 12. Breakdance Vietnam - What Wasn't Said 13. Get The Girl - Shut Up! 14. Ancia - Escape 15. Until Now - Define Love 16. Black Sky - Everyday 17. Commonwealth - Yesterday Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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