February, 1997 | Lollipop Magazine

Ignite – Past Our Means – Review

February 1, 1997

I would love to see them on Late Show with David Letterman. They’re energetic, powerful, positive, and everything else that is good in hardcore today.

Humble Gods – The Suicide Machines/Humble Gods split – Review

February 1, 1997

Humble Gods play melodic hardcore that’s actually hard. Their riffs are old school, Adrenalin O.D.-style, with a negligible new twist on the theme.

Heckle – We’re Not Laughing With You – Review

February 1, 1997

Heckle create minimalistic punk rock songs without all the unnecessary trimming.

Ghostbeat – Water – Review

February 1, 1997

If Ghostbeat stick to off-beat pop and can the funk noodlings, dreary soundscaping, and cheap-amp guitar sound, they may emerge as top-notch “quirky” pop band.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals – “Scooby Snacks” – Review

February 1, 1997

These guys are all the rage with pseudo-hip hop fans. They’re actually quite good when they’re singing. When they try to rap it’s just “go, white boy, go!”

Flexie – Galaxie Park – Review

February 1, 1997

More female-fronted alternarock. Sigh. Not too much innovation, but I’m sure the radio will love these cookie cutter songs.

Field Day – Big Wheels – Review

February 1, 1997

They sound a little bit like Face to Face, a band they have toured with. Problem is, they sound like the weak tracks off a Face to Face album.

Shiva Speedway – Shiva Speedway / Enduro split – “Moonshine” / “Sister” – Review

February 1, 1997

The vocalist’s tortured screams complement the music without saying, “look at me, I’m a drunk and disgruntled starving musician!”

Elliott Smith – “Speed Trials” – Review

February 1, 1997

Like Lou Barlow riding on a particularly moody wavelength with only an acoustic guitar and whispering drums. Simultaneously depressing and celebratory.

Zeke – Flat Tracker – Review

February 1, 1997

These Seattlites froth and curse like white trash, whiskey drinkin’, drug usin’, hard livin’, hard fuckin’, hot rod racin’, law hatin’, fight startin’ cretins.