Don’t Know – Coodly P. Ramaswami Memorial Cheesecake – Review July 1, 1995 What the Chili Peppers always wanted to be. Or like a Mr. Bungle without so much John Zorn. Vocals in a Biafra-ish way, hard driving with an enormous guitar.
Dambuilders – Ruby Red – Review July 1, 1995 Ruby Red is another engaging disc that will succeed in the dorms, while “Special Ed” and “Drive-By Kiss” are sure to court the radio airwaves.
Curtain Society – Inertia – Review July 1, 1995 There’s a whole lotta chiming, layered guitars, echo-drenched swirling atmospheres, and a flair for theatrical vocals.
Zen Lunatic – Review July 1, 1995 Generic power pop, straight from the heart of Boston. Matthew Sweet-ish with catchy hooks and no aftertaste.
Curious Ritual – Elixir / Curious Ritual split – Review July 1, 1995 I thought Curious Ritual was more throbbing than this. Live, they made the air pulse and quiver. Their side is thin. See the show.
Wisteria – “Martians Need Surf” / “Mr. PC” / “Fishing Trip” – Review July 1, 1995 Starting off with a flippant cornball tune, they rip into a surf rock exploration. Slightly campy, though. The flipside mellows out,.
Chin Strap – Better Late Than Never – Review July 1, 1995 Chin Strap does some serious style-surfing. While the tunes are uniformly clean, simple and witty, they cover a lot of stylistic territory.
Catherine Wheel – Happy Days – Review July 1, 1995 Gone are the gray old days of shoegazer pop; say hello to ballsy, impassioned, not-too-self-absorbed, straight-ahead rock.
Carbon 14 – Down – Review July 1, 1995 Of the few bands I’ve heard from Portland, all seem to be thoughtful, introspective, and interested in making heartfelt music.
Viola Peacock – This Way To The Alley Where They Eat Your Heart – Review July 1, 1995 There’s a whole lotta chiming, layered guitars, echo-drenched swirling atmospheres, and a flair for theatrical vocals.