Argyle Park
Misguided
Reviewed by Spiney Norman
Okay, you heard "Drive, He Said" on the Steve Taylor Tribute album; now Argyle Park debuts a whole album's worth of weirdness. Those of you who may have guessed that there's a Circle of Dust connection, and that it's going to sound like Circle, are way off base. Although some tunes rage with a frenzied speed metal thrash attack, most of the album deals in the techno/dance arena. There's also some soundtrack stuff as well. At times, you feel like you're in a heavy rave, and at others, you're at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.
Some of the cool, intense moments include guest artists. On "Headscrew," King (Mark) Solomon handles the vocals. On "Skin Shed," Tommy Victor of Prong. "Leave Me Alone" features Lauren Bequette from Mortal rip-offs Drown.
Diversity is the code word on this album (as is "hidden bonus tracks"), but the incessant techno beats keep me from diggin' in deeper. When the guitars do come a ringin' though, I open the door wide.