The BEST thing Ames, Iowa, has going for
it is its live scene. Two of the most recent rising stars joined
forces to release this split 7" record. It's like oil and water as
these bands don't mix at all.
I'm not saying the bands are bad. Far from it. Instead, imagine a
release with a Snoop Doggy Dogg song backed with a Slayer song. These
artists represent the spectrum across the listener must negotiate
while listening to this release.
Grubby Ernie plays a poppy punk style. Their music is full of energy
and their songs full of pleasant riffs. Guitarists Brad Thoen and
Matt McClurg share duties and punk their way through "Donuts for
Dinner," "Oi Tonight," and a short untitled song. If you've not heard
Grubby Ernie's "Dirty Demo" tape, I'd recommend snagging a copy of
that, especially if the catchy "Donuts for Dinner" catches your
ear.
35" Mudder, on the other hand, play a Rage Against the Machine-style
rap/metal. Vocalist Dusty Feurbach leads the aggressive attack with
in-your-face white boy rap. And just when he 'calms' himself to where
his lyrics are crystal clear, the band ups the intensity, the guitars
change from a clean tone to one full of distortion, followed
immediately by hell unleashing its fury on your ears.
In all, then, 35" do not belong on a split single with Grubby Ernie.
Conversely, Grubby Ernie does not belong on a split single with 35"
Mudder. Both bands deserve, and definitely warrant, their own
release.
Both of these bands, though, do share some common traits. First, both
bands could easily slip into local radio station rotations without
much chaos: Grubby Ernie for Green Day's "When I Come Around" and 35"
Mudder for "Bulls on Parade." Additionally, both bands have begun to
build a following in the eastern Iowa area, which is good. Even
though Ames and Iowa City/Cedar Rapids seem to be fierce competitors,
both bands could easily pack the area venues with some excitingly
original tunes.
Further, 35" Mudder can proudly boast they opened for a recent Motley
Crue concert. Future opening gigs are well-deserved. So, get a hold
of this 7" release. My hope is both of these bands make it to eastern
Iowa for some gigs. Certainly, the talent is there.
Here's more info about me:
I am a freelance music critic/reviewer in eastern Iowa. I submit
reviews on a regular basis to the following zines and websites.
Send your stuff (including press kit, discography, etc.) to:
Paul Hanson
795 Prospect Court
North Liberty, IA USA 52317
Email: prhmusic@hotmail.com
Thanks and I look forward to listening to you soon!
************************************************************************
Paul Hanson
Freelance Reviewer
Sites for which I write reviews:
Lick (Minnesota)
http://www.lickmag.com
Flow Online (California)
http://www.flowonline.com
Daily Vault (Chicago)
http://www.dailyvault.com
Jersey Beat (New Jersey)
http://www.jerseybeat.com
Pandemonium (Seattle)
http://www.seattlesquare.com/pandemonium
181 Degrees from the Norm (Iowa)
http://www.181-4.com
Consumbable (New Jersey)
http://www.consumableonline.com
BallBuster (Kentucky)
http://www.yft.com/ballbusterhard/
Moisst (Arizona)
http://www.goodnet.com/~moisst
Icon newspaper, based in Iowa City, Iowa
http://www.iconquest.com
Happy Goat zine, based in Ankeny, Iowa
In Effect zine, based in New York
In Correct zine, based in Norway, Europe