JuiceheaD - How To Sail A Sinking Ship (Album Review)
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
Chicago has spawned a vast array of successful punk bands over the years and it seems JuiceheaD’s sophomore effort ‘How To Sail A Sinking Ship’ will solidify their addition to this list. Released on Misfits Records, the albums follows up 2007’s ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’ with a similar formula, but a greater metaphorical attack on the senses.
With twenty songs crammed onto the hour long CD, we’re given the opportunity to bask in their fluidly aggressive punk musings. It’s got that quintessential punk flavouring but lacks a certain crispness in sound at points. With that slight mute being the only real negative, there’s a string of influences evident to make this a record with something for everyone.
‘Death of Democracy’, a personal highlight, infuses brooding guitars with a swift drum beat to create a high-paced assault with fleeting vocal chants perfect for a live setting. ‘Lorraine’ is undeniably catchy, featuring a ska-infused interlude towards the end. The title-track ‘How To Sail A Sinking Ship’ is anarchic in every sense; unrelenting throughout, this would be simply riotous with a crowd.
‘Black Roses’ seems to work as an interlude with a definite style change. Slowing the record down, it plays with the string section for a surprisingly acceptable ballad of sorts, as punk ballads go... Otherwise the pace is unshakeable. ‘Until We Meet Again’, the penultimate full number of the offering, is undeniably catchy and has the real crisp sound quoted to be lacking throughout a string of tracks. ‘Sail On’ continues as strongly to complete this offering before the final reprise; lawless and upbeat, a fair finale.
With twenty tracks to enjoy, admittedly some do seem to disappear in a mass of quality and sheer quantity. Having said that, JuiceheaD have produced a great punk album and it should be quite the experience to see some of these in a live capacity on the upcoming Misfits tour.
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With twenty songs crammed onto the hour long CD, we’re given the opportunity to bask in their fluidly aggressive punk musings. It’s got that quintessential punk flavouring but lacks a certain crispness in sound at points. With that slight mute being the only real negative, there’s a string of influences evident to make this a record with something for everyone.
