THE CRINGE
"Scratch
the Surface" (Listen Records; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
On "Scratch the Surface," the Cringe offer up a substantial collection of rock tunage that sounds like a bizarre cross between Creed and the Smithereens. That alone will be enough to turn some people off of the band but there's also a freshness and a genuine humanity to the CD that slip it a hair above the rest of the Creed soundalikes out there.
"Scratch the Surface" starts out promisingly enough, with a dead-on rocker entitled "Another Day." While I won't say it goes downhill from there, it certainly never gets better. Most of the songs that follow are the standard type of rock'n'roll fare that we've all heard too much of in the past few years.
Still, like Creed's Scott Stapp, Cringe vocalist John Cusimano has an intriguing and more than serviceable style and the lyrics are intelligent and honest. That counts for something.
Would I choose Cringe over Creed? Maybe. Maybe not. Would I choose them over Alter Bridge? Not a chance. I like my music with a bit more edge than The Cringe offer on "Scratch the Surface."
The Cringe: John Cusimano - guitars, vocals; Rob Levin - lead guitar; Matt Powers - bass; Shawn Pelton - drums.
"Scratch
the Surface" (Listen Records; 2003)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The Cringe are not heavy metal by any definition, but rather a rock'n'roll band with an original sound. That may sound simple, but in this day of spongerock, it's still something of an accomplishment.
The name of this CD is "Scratch The Surface," and it is very well done, fun to listen to and has a very cool sound. This is a band that has great vision and a great future in the rock industry.
Rock'n'roll should be fun and that is exactly what The Cringe is - fun.
The Cringe: John Cusimano - guitars, vocals; Rob Levin - lead guitar; Matt Powers - bass; Shawn Pelton - drums.
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.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 15:20:24 -0400.
