Scaterd Few
Grandmother's Spaceship
Reviewed by Derek Walker
With the recent advent of Christian punk rock in the past five years, it's only fitting the members of Scaterd Few find the time ripe for a comeback. Led by enigmatic frontman Allan Aguirre, SF saw their debut release Sin Disease change the world of what some call "Christian alternative rock." They, along with such pioneering bands as Nobody Special and The Crucified, brought this strange style of music called "punk" to Christians in the mid-'80s and early-'90s, and helped build a platform that bands such as Plankeye, Stavesacre, and Five Iron Frenzy all agree would not be the same without SF's early albums. Grandmother's Spaceship, SF's third album (not counting the odds-and-ends collection released on Flying Tart in 1994) is a thoroughly enjoyable, not to mention eclectic, album focused on the theme "We are not of this world," a theme every punk rocker should be able to relate to. With such songs as the gritty album opener "Space Junk" and "Vanishing" (with decidedly creepy background vocals courtesy of Aguirre's daughter, Cristina), Aguirre has a field day, experimenting enough to make Grandmother's Spaceship more diverse than your typical punk album ("Suspension My Love" sports a smooth reggae groove, while "Win The Fisher" is driven by a snaky bass line that would make Flea proud). Overall, Grandmother's Spaceship is at its most effective when Aguirre is screaming, "Death, where is your sting" (on "Incorruptible") or doing his credible impression of Johnny Rotten during "Species." The album is a zestful blend of old school punk and spaced-out hardcore that sports a slight Gothic overtone reminiscent of Spyglass Blue, Aguirre's other band. Grandmother's Spaceship is a strong comeback for Scaterd Few, and one that will hopefully get them the recognition they deserve.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Doug Van PeltWhen I heard that this release was hyped to be of the caliber of Sin Disease... And considering we were dealing with a new behind vocalist Allan Aguirre, I was skeptical and ready to nail the hypsters to the wall. But, being more a fan of good music than some sort of cosmic musical judge, I was happy to find some brilliant wailings supported by capable playing. Scaterd Few shoots . . . and…