Wow! This Chicago outfit has really improved its sound since The Pursuit of Happiness. The guitar tones are fuller and the whole rhythm section sounds more unified. Songs like "Question Stupidity" show the band in high gear without losing their grip. They are in sync!
Of course, there's plenty of old school punk here, like the single the band recorded a video for, "Voice of Defiance," and "Opposite."
The only song that finds the band not in control (or sounding that way) is "Without You," which features a melody that doesn't match the vocal range of the gang.
Lyrically, Crashdog excels at dealing with real life. The tune "Pressure" is a perfect example: "You try to keep up with the crowd/Never knowing who you are...I don't need your social system, or a false identity/I'm free!" If that's not down to earth enough for ya, try "Ichtheology," which deals with fishin'. If fishing for souls - fishing for fish! That's what Spike loves to do and he lets us know unashamedly.
Mud Angels finds Crashdog seeming to be more relaxed and comfortable with what/who they are - punks - and have released their best album as a result.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse June 1994Reviewed by Michael KleinAt last what the Christian Punk/Metal world has been waiting for-a loud album that contains a song about fishing. I do not mean an allegorical song about Christians being "fishers of men," but a celebration of the sport of fishing. And that's not all. This latest release from Crashdog also features some great music and lyrics that convey a solid Christian message in a way that almost makes me…Similar sounding releases
1997TourniquetCrawl to China
1995The BlamedFrail
1997LordchainLordchain
2004LitLit
2002WeezerMaladroit
2002The LineMonsters We BreedMore from Crashdog
1995Cashists, Fascists, and Other Fungus
1992The Pursuit of Happiness
19967 Inch Finch Pinch
Hard Knocks for Hard Heads
1990Humane Society
1998Outer Crust
