PODUNK
Murlin’s Dock (Core)
After an embarrassing debut, Podunk nicely proves that with hooks, better
production, and a few twisted guitar tones you can indeed outgrow stale
Eighties-metal retreads. And although this local band’s still prone to preachy
lyrics and cumbersome power ballads, there’s finally enough heavy groove and
grit here to place them firmly between Tesla and Soundgarden. — Andy
Langer
BABOON
The Numb EP (Grass)
The screams alone would be enough to elicit comparisons to Brutal Juice even
if you didn’t know these guys were from Denton. And when the lashes of the
ultra-violent subside, turns out singer Andrew Huffstetler sounds a bit like
the Cure’s Robert Smith having a hardcore meltdown. An EP that could easily
grow up to be an Interscope full-length. — Raoul
Hernandez
DIAMOND SMUGGLERS
Hot August Shite
Take away half the members and something like three-quarters of the charm of
seeing a live performance by this local tribute to/mad-dog attack on Neil
Diamond, and you still have “(What If God Had) Testicles,” a necessary weapon
against anyone who has ever made you listen repeatedly to Joan or Alanis or
whatever her damn name is. — Ken Lieck
“Bonus Tracks” reviews all local and Texas-based releases commercially
availble. Send to: “Bonus Tracks,” The Austin Chronicle, POB 49066, Austin, TX
78765
This article appears in July 26 • 1996 and July 26 • 1996 (Cover).