CellarGhosts
07/30/08, 05:06 PM
Slightly Stoopid - Chronchitis
Record Label: Stoopid Records
Release Date: August 7, 2007
Having only heard this band once before, on a Warped Tour compilation, I was expecting good things as I enjoyed that one song quite a bit. However, "good things" wasn't quite what I got. Chronchitis isn't necessarily horrible, or even objectively bad, it just left little to no impression on me for the duration of it's 17 tracks.
The main problem here is that, as I stated, none of the songs make much of an impression at all; nothing much about this record leaps out at the listener. The relaxed mood fits the ska/reggae aesthetic well, but it's almost too relaxed, too low-key to the point where all the songs begin to run together. The band can play, and each musician is apt at what they do, but they seem to be limiting themselves; putting their abilities to misuse, seeming content to play what is, for the most part, fairly forgettable ska music.
It's not all bad though, as the album does have it's moments. The opening song, "Anywhere I Go," is a well-executed acoustic tune, featuring tight percussion, dashes of keys, and an organ that punctuates the musical passages well. "Round The World" is another fine moment, catchy and certainly enjoyable, but not much else. "Ocean" is a great, chiefly instrumental tune (albeit for some vocals towards the end), rolling along at a steady pace, featuring wonderfully interwoven guitar work, saxophone, and snippets of harmonica, lulling the listener into a sort of trance.
Thankfully the album closes with the best track here, "Reward For Me." A gorgeous acoustic song with relaxing group vocals, and a somber trumpet line, it closes the album on a good note, bringing spirits back up after an overall disappointing listen.
In conclusion, Chronchitis may satisfy fans already familiar with the band, and it may appeal to fans of the ska/reggae genre, but despite it's strong points, it's not an album you should go out of your way to get ahold of. There is promise though, and here's hoping the next Slightly Stoopid effort sees them expanding on the stronger elements and songwriting found here.
Sublime, Pepper, Long Beach Dub All Stars
myspace.com/stoopid (http://www.myspace.com/stoopid)
Record Label: Stoopid Records
Release Date: August 7, 2007
Having only heard this band once before, on a Warped Tour compilation, I was expecting good things as I enjoyed that one song quite a bit. However, "good things" wasn't quite what I got. Chronchitis isn't necessarily horrible, or even objectively bad, it just left little to no impression on me for the duration of it's 17 tracks.
The main problem here is that, as I stated, none of the songs make much of an impression at all; nothing much about this record leaps out at the listener. The relaxed mood fits the ska/reggae aesthetic well, but it's almost too relaxed, too low-key to the point where all the songs begin to run together. The band can play, and each musician is apt at what they do, but they seem to be limiting themselves; putting their abilities to misuse, seeming content to play what is, for the most part, fairly forgettable ska music.
It's not all bad though, as the album does have it's moments. The opening song, "Anywhere I Go," is a well-executed acoustic tune, featuring tight percussion, dashes of keys, and an organ that punctuates the musical passages well. "Round The World" is another fine moment, catchy and certainly enjoyable, but not much else. "Ocean" is a great, chiefly instrumental tune (albeit for some vocals towards the end), rolling along at a steady pace, featuring wonderfully interwoven guitar work, saxophone, and snippets of harmonica, lulling the listener into a sort of trance.
Thankfully the album closes with the best track here, "Reward For Me." A gorgeous acoustic song with relaxing group vocals, and a somber trumpet line, it closes the album on a good note, bringing spirits back up after an overall disappointing listen.
In conclusion, Chronchitis may satisfy fans already familiar with the band, and it may appeal to fans of the ska/reggae genre, but despite it's strong points, it's not an album you should go out of your way to get ahold of. There is promise though, and here's hoping the next Slightly Stoopid effort sees them expanding on the stronger elements and songwriting found here.
Sublime, Pepper, Long Beach Dub All Stars
myspace.com/stoopid (http://www.myspace.com/stoopid)