(Redwood)
If you ever need to borrow a Soulhat record, Steamroller’s the
source — clearly they’ve got several to spare. But to their credit,
Steamroller’s songwriting shows a surprisingly mature knack for lazy grooves
and jangly guitar dynamics. And although the pacing and phrasing may scream
Soulhat, it’s the band’s reliance on spare arrangements that makes
Steamroller something more rewarding than a live souvenir of Black Cat
jam doldrums. — Andy Langer
THE INTENTIONS
Gosh, and they seem like such nice guys, too. Sadly, we all know just how far
that gets you in this business. The lead singer’s all-American growl is about
all that highlights this mediocre, middle-American rock & roll outta San
Antonio. To be fair, there may be a salvageable Cheap Trick moment or two here,
so the ear of a hip producer might help these boys with their somewhat
hackneyed arrangements and guitar parts. Then again, who said life was fair? — Mindy LaBernz
GLOSSO BABEL
Life in the Flight Path
An ambitious and effective effort at mating a very solid band
with spoken word. Cutaia’s readings are heavily emotive and not overwhelmed by
veteran musicians like Mark Wilson on sax and flute. While some material lacks
dramatic punch, “Tell the Truth,” about police interrogation, is nicely done,
and “Suit Piece” makes wearing such as appealing as prostate cancer. ACTV
features a video of the band’s Don’t Tread on Me. — Stephen McGuire
PAPAYA
Enzyme
Any engineer worth his soundboard will tell you the best way to
cover up suspect songwriting is to bathe it in a wash of effects. Enzyme is so
studio-heavy it’s doubtful the live incarnation sounds anything like the tape,
which, in this case, is not necessarily a bad thing. — Chris
Gray
This article appears in November 17 • 1995 and November 17 • 1995 (Cover).