Plague of Ethyls
Plague of Ethyls
Reviewed by Dave Steiner
As their recent ads convey, Plague Of Ethyls is not "evil high octane fuel" or "Lucy's angry friends." It's "female psycho-punk grunge" from none other than the quiet, unassuming guitarist for Breakfast With Amy, Caryn Colbert. Well, let's just say she may seem quiet and unassuming, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that these still waters run deep.
You see, when I heard a few months ago that Caryn C. was going to release a solo punk album, I, in my typical male chauvinistic way, expected a light hearted, dance till you drop mosh fest. Instead Mrs. Colbert (Chris' wife) has put together a project that is dark and haunting, both musically and lyrically.
Writing from her own unique stream of consciousness perspective, we are allowed to join her in exploring the dark caverns of unexposed sin ("Muddy"), journey with her into a prison of insanity ("Land Of La La"), confront the enemy ("Gorbert, The Evil Dancing Clown"), and crawl with her humbly to the Creator for forgiveness ("Blaze"). And her Sam Phillips-like vocals narrate the entire trek in a style that is both chilling and beautiful.
Assisting her musically on this voyage is another young lady who is simply known as La Lo (guitar and vocals). Keeping the beat is none other than producer Steve Hindalong whose work with The Choir, Lifesavers, Brian Healy, Ric Alba, and now Plague Of Ethyls has got to make him the most versatile drummer in the industry. Collectively, these three lay down a sound that is yes, grungy and noisy, but also has a moody, swirling feel.
Francis Schaeffer put it best when he said, "The Christian is the really free man (woman)...the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars." With Plague Of Ethyls, we do indeed journey beyond the stars and to the depths of our souls.
3/5