The first thing that comes to mind when listening to the Dummskulz new release, Head First, currently out on JetSpeed Records, is the extreme diversity that this band displays from song to song despite still fitting under the general genre heading of metal. While listening to this CD, ones mind automatically wanders to the question of whether or not these guys could keep this up live. My response to that would be that checking out one of their live show would probably prove to be well worth it.
There is honestly no way to generalize the 15 tracks on this CD. Each one has a slightly different vibe to it, with a few general similarities. This is not one of those CDs that sounds like a comp of different bands despite the song diversity, which can be annoying because you never know what to expect. Throughout each song the band keeps their identity with punk style vocals overlapping with low, bellowing vocals, strong pounding guitar, and fast powerful drumming. The fast vocals are reminiscent of old school punk in their total edge and new school poppy punk in their slight whine at the same time. There is even a song (Problems) in which one can hear what sounds to be a 3rd wave ska influence in the vocals which is surprisingly aurally pleasant to hear along with the metal-ish instruments blaring behind it. Another song (Sacrificed) displays a cross-over into classic hardcore. Keeping up with the tradition of metal, the musicianship in displayed in the tracks is strong. These guys are real musicians. All of the songs are tight from the slamming drums to the guitar solos to the pounding bass to the slightly distorted vocals.
Overall, this CD is worth owning if youre into punk, hardcore, or metal and want to add some diversity to your collection. The Dummskulz are one of those bands whose music refuses to be categorized, and while that will bother some of the diehard scenesters in the various scenes, it will no doubt please the rest in most of the rocknroll culture. Head First is a CD to have around when youre stuck in traffic and need to let out some aggression, or when you want to feel tough, or any other time when you just want to rock out! Dont take my word for it. Buy the CD, attend some shows, and support a SoCal band that is certainly worth your time.
Written by Amy Wong
Freelance Rock Journalist
For comments or to pick up contact me at
badbadbadhabit@aol.com
There is honestly no way to generalize the 15 tracks on this CD. Each one has a slightly different vibe to it, with a few general similarities. This is not one of those CDs that sounds like a comp of different bands despite the song diversity, which can be annoying because you never know what to expect. Throughout each song the band keeps their identity with punk style vocals overlapping with low, bellowing vocals, strong pounding guitar, and fast powerful drumming. The fast vocals are reminiscent of old school punk in their total edge and new school poppy punk in their slight whine at the same time. There is even a song (Problems) in which one can hear what sounds to be a 3rd wave ska influence in the vocals which is surprisingly aurally pleasant to hear along with the metal-ish instruments blaring behind it. Another song (Sacrificed) displays a cross-over into classic hardcore. Keeping up with the tradition of metal, the musicianship in displayed in the tracks is strong. These guys are real musicians. All of the songs are tight from the slamming drums to the guitar solos to the pounding bass to the slightly distorted vocals.
Overall, this CD is worth owning if youre into punk, hardcore, or metal and want to add some diversity to your collection. The Dummskulz are one of those bands whose music refuses to be categorized, and while that will bother some of the diehard scenesters in the various scenes, it will no doubt please the rest in most of the rocknroll culture. Head First is a CD to have around when youre stuck in traffic and need to let out some aggression, or when you want to feel tough, or any other time when you just want to rock out! Dont take my word for it. Buy the CD, attend some shows, and support a SoCal band that is certainly worth your time.
Written by Amy Wong
Freelance Rock Journalist
For comments or to pick up contact me at
badbadbadhabit@aol.com
