QUICKSAND
"Manic
Compression" (Island; 1995)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
This second effort from Quicksand continues in the same vein as their debut (the very refreshing "Slip"); however, "Manic Compression" adds more elaborate elements to the music and the lyrics are a bit more mature than their debut effort. All of the new elements were added without losing the power and passion that the band is known for.
Some of the tunes are fast and furious ("Backward"
and "Divorce") and this is when the disc suffers. When the hardcore/punk
attitude takes over the songs tend to be a bit weak. The short blasts of frenzied
guitar mania such as "Blister" and "Thorn In My Side" lack the
trademark Quicksand sound.
Quicksand employs a slow and dramatic approach to "Delusional," "Skinny
(It's Overflowing)," and "It Would Be Cooler If You Did." These
tunes, despite lacking aggression, still manage to pack punch and power in lyrical vocal
desperation.
When the band takes a middle of the road approach (not too fast, not too slow) some very
unique results are achieved. "Brown Gargantuan," the most satisfying song
on the disc, and "East 3rd St." take driving riffs and split your perception of
hardcore right in half. "Landmine Spring" and "Simpleton" take
the Quicksand sound to new heights with patient bass lines and shifting musical pieces.
Quicksand is comprised of Sergio Vega on bass, Alan Cage on drums, Walter Schreifels on
guitar and vocals, and Tom Capone on guitars. Six tracks on the disc were produced
by Wharton Tiers and Don Fury produced the remaining six tracks; amazingly enough this
doesn't affect the disc's sound our quality. Tiers has worked with Biohazard and
Helmet; Fury has previously worked with Agnostic Front and Warrior Soul.
After taking a three year hiatus, Quicksand is back together again, touring, and looking for a record deal. For more information on the reformed Quicksand please point your web browser to http://www.quicksand.net/ and find out more.
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 © 1999 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
