Darren McLeod
07/11/06, 04:35 PM
Dead To Me - Cuban Ballerina
Release Date: July 11, 2006
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
It seems that there is no way to open this review without making an overdramatic statement about the demise of a band just blossoming in One Man Army, and that, like the fabled phoenix of ancient lore, Dead To Me has risen from the ashes, determined to forge a name for themselves in the lucrative world of independent punk rock with their debut album, Cuban Ballerina.
But that would be trite, wouldn’t it?
The truth is, that introduction wouldn’t be far off the mark (aside from the "lucrative" part). A comparison to the aforementioned One Man Army is likely to be found in any review, and is almost necessary – OMA’s singer Jack Dalrymple lends his vocals here (albeit sharing vocal duties with bassist Chicken, also known for his work in Western Addiction), and there are definite similarities in the straightforward punk that you’ll find here and from any disc in OMA’s discography. But, enough dwelling on the past. It’s time to return to the present: Cuban Ballerina.
Well, there’s good news: the album is as strong as any fan of OMA could hope for, and even those listeners who aren’t aware of the members’ previous bands should be able to enjoy the album. It’s quick, gritty, and straight to the point; the pace doesn’t slow down throughout the album, which is fitting – it is a soundtrack of a struggle. Whether that struggle is the state of America (see the fire-spitting “Don’t Lie”), the creation of disenfranchised youth as a product of their poor upbringing (as heard in “Writing Letters”), or bassist Chicken’s admitted battle with drug addiction and the rehabilitation that followed, Cuban Ballerina is a cathartic cleansing of personal demons set over punchy guitars and swapping vocals.
The album is catchy while never forcing bigger hooks than are necessary, and while it doesn’t break new ground, it certainly excels in its efforts, and always remains entertaining. There are standout tracks scattered all over the album, and there is not one song that will have your finger twitching to skip over it. In the end, Cuban Ballerina is an extremely strong debut album that promises a bright future for this quartet.
Release Date: July 11, 2006
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
It seems that there is no way to open this review without making an overdramatic statement about the demise of a band just blossoming in One Man Army, and that, like the fabled phoenix of ancient lore, Dead To Me has risen from the ashes, determined to forge a name for themselves in the lucrative world of independent punk rock with their debut album, Cuban Ballerina.
But that would be trite, wouldn’t it?
The truth is, that introduction wouldn’t be far off the mark (aside from the "lucrative" part). A comparison to the aforementioned One Man Army is likely to be found in any review, and is almost necessary – OMA’s singer Jack Dalrymple lends his vocals here (albeit sharing vocal duties with bassist Chicken, also known for his work in Western Addiction), and there are definite similarities in the straightforward punk that you’ll find here and from any disc in OMA’s discography. But, enough dwelling on the past. It’s time to return to the present: Cuban Ballerina.
Well, there’s good news: the album is as strong as any fan of OMA could hope for, and even those listeners who aren’t aware of the members’ previous bands should be able to enjoy the album. It’s quick, gritty, and straight to the point; the pace doesn’t slow down throughout the album, which is fitting – it is a soundtrack of a struggle. Whether that struggle is the state of America (see the fire-spitting “Don’t Lie”), the creation of disenfranchised youth as a product of their poor upbringing (as heard in “Writing Letters”), or bassist Chicken’s admitted battle with drug addiction and the rehabilitation that followed, Cuban Ballerina is a cathartic cleansing of personal demons set over punchy guitars and swapping vocals.
The album is catchy while never forcing bigger hooks than are necessary, and while it doesn’t break new ground, it certainly excels in its efforts, and always remains entertaining. There are standout tracks scattered all over the album, and there is not one song that will have your finger twitching to skip over it. In the end, Cuban Ballerina is an extremely strong debut album that promises a bright future for this quartet.