CASANATRA

"Wood and Glass" (Blue Worm Records; 2003)

Reviewed by Brian Connelly

Casanatra's "Wood and Glass" is a bizarre music animal, a colorful, fuzz guitar-enhanced blend of Soundgarden, The Doors, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and more. What's so surprising about the CD is that - despite the lack of any really fast tempos or obvious hooks - "Wood and Glass" is never dull, instead delivering an engrossing musical experience that is truly unique.

The CD starts out with a kicker, the punk rock-paced "Hamster Wheel." But, in true Casanatra fashion, the band never repeats itself from that point on. From the smooth ballad-y feel of "Pedestrian" to the solid rocking "Tin Cups" to the haunting "Somebody Worse" to the throbbing "Construction by Subtraction" to the CD's Godzilla-stomping "Stranger Holiday" closer, Casanatra runs the gamut - and run every step of that gamut well.

"Wood and Glass" isn't necessarily an easy listen; in fact, it may be something of an acquired taste. The music is that varied and that original. However, like the best tequila, it only takes one or two shots to get over the initial  jolt and then you're in for the long run.

Casanatra: Lance Reed; Dennis Asher; Jer Fink.

For more information, check out http://www.casanatra.com

"Is This Tonight?" (Blue Worm Records; 2003)

Reviewed by Snidermann

The first two tracks of this 4 track demo, entitled "Is This Tonight?" are sickly sweet and in the style of just about forty other acts out there (a la Matchbox 20, Shades Apart, Nickelback, etc., etc.) However, the next two cuts show some genuine ingenuity and spark. As I see it, that means 50% of this release is pretty damn good so Casanatra earns two chainsaws. What I liked, I really liked and I'm very interested in seeing what this band has to offer in the future.

Casanatra: Lance Reed; Dennis Asher; Jer Fink.

For more information, check out http://www.casanatra.com

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 26 Feb 2024 19:59:24 -0500.