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...Capitol-City A&E Zine...

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Punk & Metal Music Reviews

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MONSTER MAGNET
Powertrip
A&M Records

My first exposure to the music of Monster Magnet came in 1996, when I had a fiery two-month relationship followed by an even more scorching year-long breakup with a witchy young lass who insisted that I learn all of the songs from their Dopes To Infinity CD, which, of course, I willingly did. A great respect for the band is one of the few things I carried out of that cloud; well, that and some real good stories I'll tell you some other time.

Powertrip continues the fine Monster Magnet tradition of what some call Space Rock: lots of heavy, yet somehow full and warm guitar swirling in giddy unison with the eerie vocals of Dave Wyndorf, who seems part galactic banshee and part biker-bar bouncer. The album's opener, "Crop Circle", is right up there with anything from Dopes, as is "Space Lord", the first single, which I was surprised not to find in an unedited, dirty state on the CD. The last song, "Your Lies Become You", is a lovely but spooky little bit. Largely, though, Powertrip somehow lacks both the variety and consistancy of its predecessor. It's also just a bit short in the punch department, but just a bit. The use of organ and various other electronics is done here in tasteful fashion, and often it works, but as a whole the record tends to fall a bit flat.

More hard rock than metal, Monster Magnet fills a void in current music that was left by the downfall of classic spacy bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Deep Purple, and they're mostly alone in that distinction. Their music is thick with the good old psychedelia that is more Syd Barrett than Perry Farrell. My recommendation: pick up Dopes To Infinity, and if you like that, give Powertrip a try. But do it in that order. Powertrip does boast some cool packaging with one of the best covers I've seen in awhile.

- Chris Mosser

10" Maria

(100% Fret Free Records)
http://www.fretless.com
http://www.eden.com/~tenmaria
tenmaria@eden.com

I just received this sizzling hot pink five-song EP from local queens of punk, 10" Maria. Infamous throughout Austin for their raunchy livewire shows, this EP showcases the stark truth found in their songs' intelligent lyrics, ones that dare to tackle uncomfortable topics like stalking, rape, and phony baloney people. My favorite cuts are the painfully honest "Just Jane," and "Punk Kitty" kicks ass. These are grrrrls of the '90s, hear 'em roar! Earlier this year, 10" Maria also contributed two cuts to the Go On Girl 2, Class of 1997 (100% Fret Free Records), collection of bands from around the country whose members are all girl or at least girl fronted. Go On Girl 2 features cuts by two other Austin bands: Velvet Hammer and The Librarians, along with contributions from Dallas based Psalm 69.

-Sharon Jones-LeFlore

Jon Dee Graham

(Freedom Records) Escape from Monster Island
http://eden.com/~freedom
freedom@eden.com

Undoubtedly one my favorite albums of the year! The solo debut of songwriter/guitarist Jon Dee Graham, (True Believers, Lou Ann Barton, Michelle Shocked, amongst many others) is truly awesome. Growing up on a ranch in south Texas, Graham dropped out of UT-Austin to tour as guitarist
for The Skunks (one of the first punk bands in Texas), who wrote their own
page in the legend steeped stages of Raoul's and the Armadillo. In 1996,
the prodigal punkster returned to Austin to work with country diva Kelly
Willis, and with a little help from some of his friends, he has created a
timeless treasure throve of songs called Escape from Monster Island. Graham
is joined by Charlie Sexton bandmembers Rafael Gayol (drums), George Reiff
(bass), and Michael Ramos (piano, B-3), and lead guitar and steel are
curtesy of Mike Hardwick, who also co-produced the album with Graham. Kathy
McCarty's vocals enhance Graham's low dusky voice, which is actually the
ideal companion to his songs. With lyrics that slowly burn through your
soul with the warmth of familiarity, Graham poignantly captures Everyday,
USA and brilliantly exposes the pain and losses felt in real life. In a CD
full of songs that all have something honest being said, for me the crown
jewel is Graham's portrayal of the helpless feelings and vulnerability that
occur "When a Woman Cries."

-Sharon Jones-LeFlore

Larry

Here I Am
http://www.larryland.com
larry@io.com

A staple in the Austin club circuit since the summer of '94, Larry is a hard rockin' fusion of psychedelically funky blues, infused with the spirits of the Grateful Dead. Their live shows are an energetic mix of their own unique originals, with covers by bands such as The Allman Brothers, Phish and The Funky Meters. Vocalist Jeff Bradberry (rubs a washboard) and leads a merry band of '90s-style hippies, comprised of two dueling guitarists, a solid (and sometimes downright tribal), rhythm/percussion section and harmonica. These seven guys (none of them named Larry) make joyful noise and their debut album displays their growth from a jam band to one serious about their music. Flower Power and Peace lives on!

-Sharon Jones-LeFlore

The Onlys

1300
onlys@juno.com

In a town where young bands form and reform regularly, The Onlys are a
refreshing young group who have been working hard at honing their craft for the past three and a half years. With steady gigs at Austin's alternative venues like Emo's, Blue Flamingo and Electric Lounge, The Onlys have continued to build a dedicated fan base. Comprised of brothers Joel and Jason Chenoweth, Steven Bonn and Jason Lavalle, their debut release entitled,1300 (which they also produced and designed), is an impressive package. With their seamless melodic mixure of soft acoustics and hard-edged guitars, smart lyrics and industrial hardcore, these guys deserve label attention.

-Sharon Jones-LeFlore