As most people know, At the Drive-in were one of the most original bands of the 90's fusing together hardcore and emo styles to create a unique sound. El Gran Orgo is a rather unknown album by some as it was not hugely available, and the band were rather unknown at the time of release.
The 7 songs on this album arn't to long, the longest at 3:40 and the shortest at 1:29, and running in at just under 20 minutes, makes it a quick and easy album to shove on.
The songs on this album are rather varied and I will review them singularly rather than as a whole:
1.Give it a name 5/5
Those of you buying this album due to hearing later albums such as Relationship of Command will be in for a shock with this song. It is probarly the most 'poplike' song the band has ever done, sounding very pop punk, and would not sound out of place on a Green Day album. The boys from El Paso have certainly gone a different direction to this, but it is a nice reminded to tell you how capable this band is of creating different sounds in their music.
This is definatley my favourite song on the album seeing as it is so catchy and never a dreary, boring song.
2.Honest To A Fault 4/5
Getting back to their usual ATDI sound the boys break out into a flurry of guitars and drums, with Cedric's voice screaming over. This song is rather reminisant of old punk songs by bands like The Ramones and The Misfits, yet still containts that ATDI vibe we all love. A great song, if a little short.
3.Winter Month Novelty 3/5
A much slower song than the first 2, this shows ATDI's early melodic side which we would see again done perfectly in Relationship of Command's 'Non-Zero Posibility'.
The song starts of slow but at 1:01 the chorus kicks in packing more of a punch than the rest of the song, then the verses come back with a rendition of "bite the hand that feeds, bite the hand that feeds, bit the habbit" and some more wailing from Cedric.
Whilst this song is good it does get quite repetative towards the end, which is something I have not come to associate with At the Drive-in's music.
4.Fahrenheit 2.5/5
Starting with some guitar and distorted vocals, the song starts out great, that definate ATDI sound, but then it all goes horribly wrong. The chorus is repeated over and over....and over. for about 50 seconds, and this repitition drags the song down. After the 50 seconds the distorted vocals come back in and sounds fresh again. Then *yet again* several renditions of the chorus. Possibley the worst song on the album, it has its moments but that is still not enough to bring it up im affraid.
5.Picket Fence Cartel 4/5
Another great track from the album, Cedric's wailing of "picket fence cartel!" at the begining surley sets the whole mood for the rest of the song. This song has such an amazing energy to it, its one of the best ATDI songs sor sheer enjoyment.
6.Speachless 5/5
Well, the track title says it all. From the the feedback and guitar from the intro to the rolling drum beats this song just keeps you on your toes throughout. The speed and pure adrenaline rush given when listening to this song is amazing, and the chorus is damned catchy. One of the best of the album.
7.Untitled 1.5/5
A complete wasted opertunity here, basicaly, it is just track six, 'Speachless' with some variation. I really was expecting a different song here boys, not good, but seeing as speachless was so good, I wont write this one off totally.
So there you go, El Gran Orgo. If you into ATDI you'll love it but if your looking for new music to get into then this is the album to start you off.
Hope this review has helped you.
