Crash Rickshaw is a new band featuring Alex Albert (drums) and Steven Dail (guitars & bass) from Project 86. Rounding out the trio is vocalist/guitarist Joby Harris, whose voice helps make this record one of the best discs of the year.
The band sounds nothing like Project 86, but is post-punk meets old-school punk at its melodic best. Featuring heavy drumming, in an almost cadence like manner at times, this disc will grow on you with each listen. At times it sounds familiar, but not derivative. You can hear a bit of The Clash and Alarm throughout, but not enough to ruin the effect. And unlike most of the punk stuff coming out these days, this disc isn't overproduced. It maintains a raw sound throughout, without sounding low-budget.
Lyrically, they tackle a variety of spiritual issues without sounding preachy. On "Co-Dependant Idolatry" it's the issue of putting other things before God; on "Angry Sunset" it's an examination of how anger can hurt a relationship; and, on "El Gato" the band looks at moral relativism.
"Time Alone" is a slow, tender look at love within the framework of a God-centered relationship. Other standouts include the tongue-in-cheek "Thank God I'm an Atheist" and "Johnny Law," a song about legalism and hypocrisy.
If you miss the old days when "alternative" truly was an alternative, rather than an overproduced, assembly-line, cookie cutter product, then check out this disc.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #92Reviewed by Treble BandopplerProject 86's Scott Albert and Steven Dail joined with friend Joby Harris to make a record for Tooth & Nail Records that really doesn't sound like anything the prolific label has put out in a long time. Think Perry Ferrel fronting the Cult with 70s Led Zep-like production. Great moldy guitar tones, crashing, marching John Bonham drums, swaying grooves, lots of bi-polar energy, and usually…Art for the Ears 2001Reviewed by Marco PovervestCrash Rickshaw is a new name with familiarities. Two of the members are known for their contributions to Project 86: Alex Albert and Steve Dial. They are accompanied by Joby Harris on guitar and vocals. Also the music sounds vaguely familiar as if I have heard it all before. Maybe it's just their ability to crank out these sounds that match perfectly with my musical memory. I don't know. Fact is…Similar sounding releases
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