A surprise top 5 finisher in this year's "HM Readers Poll," Finland's Minus SF bill themselves as "skaterock." They recently released a self-titled 5-song CD EP that comes with a 4-minute music video in different application formats for your computer. Their gruff melodic punk rock utilizes chasing melodies and standard 3-chord breakdowns to set up rock choruses. While they fall into a few cliché traps, such as the "GO!" thing, and whatnot, there is no denying a certain quality and intelligence to their overall approach. Lyrics are in English, and vocals are focused and refined without being anywhere near prissy. The standout track is "Don Fransisco," which explores something or another – the search for understanding of grace maybe? I dunno. "New Colours" has a long instrumental intro that doesn't really pay off. "Badge and Honour" gets to the point a lot quicker, and, with the exception of some redundant bridges, sets a nice groove backed with solid BGVs and interesting sampling.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2001Reviewed by Marco PovervestHailing from Finland, Minus SF is a pro energy pop punk band with melodic singing and occasional harmonic parts. It's not really speedy material but you can sense the energy the songs display. The five tracks prove that this formation is capable of writing good songs and play them rather nicely too. Better sonic quality is desirable, though the tracks come across. It's not the quality you would…
