KILL - CANNIBAL CORPSE published May 2006, Zero Magazine

You get a warm, fuzzy feeling inside when you open the liner notes to Kill and see the panoramic photo of Cannibal Corpse in their long-haired, metal T-shirted glory. It reminds you that there are still things in this world that you can depend on. You can't count on gas prices, keeping your job or avoiding natural disaster. But you can always count on Cannibal Corpse being balls-out metal to the bone.

Just like scotch tastes better with age, Cannibal Corpse sounds better with every album. Kill, the tenth album in the CC discography is meticulously timed and ever brutal. Track listings are the signature brand of grotesque: “Five Nails Through The Neck,” “Submerged In Boiling Flesh” and “Barbaric Bludgeonings.” You know you're a great band when you manage to be as musically talented as you are disgusting. And Cannibal Corpse is pretty goddamned gross.

The entire album is relentless and even overwhelming as typical of all their albums. Take in small doses to truly bask in the majesty that is these death metal minstrels.

THE DROGUES - NO FACTS THAT DON'T FIT published May 2006, Zero Magazine

Here's the most important question. Do we really need more 80s punk inspired indie rock bands? Firstly, I have always believed that if a band's influences are just too obvious, that original aspect I'm sure they intended to offer is somehow lost in translation and they become a step away from being a cover band therefore rendering themselves useless to anyone who is outside of a club and sober. Secondly, being influenced by great bands, and a variety at that, is a must for creating a good sound. Thirdly, some of the greatest bands did come out of the 80s punk era. Therefore, yeah. We need more bands with that influence and we need more decent, energetic bands like The Drogues.

This East Bay based group is a fun rendition of thin and simple Buzzcocks rock. They managed to take what I love about the Toadies and lowered it a few decibels which surprisingly does not disappoint. I think we live in a world where we definitely need a new Green Day and dare I say it, this trio could be up for the running.

THE DITTY BOPS - MOON OVER THE FREEWAY published May 2006, Zero Magazine

Happy trails. It's time to go. Take your few most precious belongings, wrap them in a polka dotted handkerchief, tie it to the end of a stick and sling it over your shoulder. The horizon lies before you, your past behind, and the album that is playing in your mind is Moon Over The Freeway.

Folk-hybrid duo Amanda Barrett and Abby Dewald actually sound as adorable as they look. Think of the delicate, fairy tale teller voice of Leigh Nash of Sixpence None The Richer and make it slightly less corny.

However the subject matter of both bands' songs are equally cute and kiddie. When you begin listening to this album, you may think the cuteness factor of the Ditty Bops may be their biggest asset if not their only one. Then suddenly you are hit with slightly darker and downbeat songs like “Growing Upside Down” and “Fall Awake.” Here is where the girls' maturity and range really shows. The lyrics are reminiscent of a slightly sedated Tracy Bonham. Overall, whether you can swallow this project really depends on whether or not you have a cuddly side that likes old time jingles, female folk and sugary covers of Bye Bye Love. Your choice.
- Briana Hernandez