PROGRAM THE DEAD
"Ginger"
(Self-produced; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
With "Ginger," Program the Dead explore so many different styles and genres of music that it's almost impossible to believe you're listening to a CD by a single band. That's both good and bad news, of course. The good news is that the band is quite successful as they explore everything from alternative to hard rock to classic rock. The bad news is that the CD is uneven and its variety is somewhat distracting.
Running the gamut from sounding a little heavy like Porno for Pyros to the sometimes ethereal sound of U2 to even something along the lines of radio friendly Alice Cooper ballad, Program the Dead is all over the map on "Ginger" but, again, the band succeeds at every turn. And don't get me wrong: even though the band emulates sounds similar to the bands listed above, "Ginger" is a sound all their own. (And their cover of The Doors' "Hello, I Love You" is perhaps even bluesier than the original version).
Despite its wide variety of sounds to choose from, this CD is definitely not for everyone. Those looking for something a little heavier will be disappointed in the latter portion of the CD, while those looking for something a little more melodic may be put off by some of the heavier tracks. Those looking for a talented band trying their hand at many diffeent musical styles, however, need look no further than here.
Program the Dead: Matt Koruba; Tom Kafafian; Dave Murga; Nico Constantine.
For more information, check out http://www.programthedead.com or www.myspace.com/programthedead.
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 © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 01 Apr 2024 12:46:39 -0500.
