At The Drive-In

In/Casino/Out (Fearless)
by Tim Den

I didn’t like this at all when I first listened to it, but I have to say I became obsessed after a couple more spins. What hooked me (after a while) was the diversity this record offers. At The Drive-In combines the anger of post-hardcore, the melodies of emo, and the chord structures of Sonic Youth to produce a truly unique sound. In fact, it would be unfair to compare them to any other band. Picture Zack de la Rocha’s vocal delivery over fuzzy distortion, topped off with stop-and-go rhythms that sound atonal one track (“A Devil Among the Tailors”) and blissful the next (“Hourglass”). Very interesting, to say the least. The vocalist dances between rappish screams and tenor melodies (yes, he can actually sing). Although this isn’t a very accessible album (which means bone-headed people who only enjoy easily-categorized music might not digest this quietly), I’m glad to see bands trying something different for a change. Give it a couple listens, you just might like it (and what a scary thought that is, right?).
(13772 Goldenwest Ave. #545 Westminster, CA 92683)