Man or Astro-man? have been around since the early 90's. They are a surf/rock band that have released a ton of eps and full length albums. This is the only Man or Astro-Man? album I own, and its just an average album. I don't know too much about surf/rock, but this album consists of blazing surf guitar riffs, and simple drum beats. This album is really nothing special, I always thought that surf/rock was cheesy and dull and this album explains why.
Blazing surf guitar riffs, simple drum beats and as few basslines is what "Experiment Zero" contains. Musically this album is nothing special, the guitar lines are fast and furious and can be difficult to play but other than that this album isn't anything that great. Man or Astro-Man creates a sci-fi feel to there music by adding in brief sound clips from old 50's and 60's sci-fi movies. I know it sounds kind of weird and outdated but it actually makes the music interesting. When you listen to "Experiment Zero" you feel like you are fighting aliens on Mars. The songs are intense and the guitar lines are nice and quick, but how many times can you listen to them? Although the sound is of this album is intense, quirky, upbeat and energetic. Once again this album adds a twist of sci-fi and spaciness creating a new genre, surf/sci-fi/rock."Experiment Zero" lacks replay value. While there are no bad songs a lot of these guitar riffs and melodies are recycled over and over again. This album is very fun and exciting at first but you can't listen to it too much or else you will get sick of it quickly. The odd sci-fi twist keeps things interesting but it wares off quickly.
Man or Astro-Man? try to keep things from getting dull like adding in a few slower numbers but that just slows the album down. Even though this album is fun and energetic at first you will get bored with it after just a few listens. There are no vocals, just a few sci-fi clips here and there so if you don't like instrumental music than this is not for you. Tracks like "King of the Monster" and "Z-X3" are quirky and intense at the same time. The sci-fi influence really takes over in "Big Trak Attack" and the albums closer "Principles Unkown." This music is without a doubt fun and enjoyable but it loses its touch because MOAM? can't keep things interesting. Even though the music is fun and upbeat doesn't mean that it won' wear thin. The melodies are simple and catchy, the music is basically the same, simple and catchy. The sci-fi influence honestly makes you feel like you're on Mars fighting off aliens, it doesn't really pump you up but it makes you feel tough and unstoppable. Even though "Experiment Zero" is fun at first it will wear thin throughout a few listenes.
Overall this album was sort of a let down. I wasn't expecting too much but there just isn't enough good songs to make this a good album. I was never a huge fan of surf/rock music and this album explains why, the music is fun and upbeat but it gets old fast and there isn't enough substance to save this album from being a bore. While the atmospheric sci-fi influence brings the album up from being a complete disaster, it doesn't keep the album from being dull. "Experiment Zero" is good to listen to when you're in a bad mood because the songs are very enjoyable and fun, but if you listen to this more than once a week than it will lose it's edge. The surf/sci-fi/rock sound is interesting, but this album lacks when it comes to depth, replay value, and something unique. Blazing guitar riffs, fun sci-fi samplers and a few nice guitar solos is what this album is made of. While this album doesn't have any bad tracks, there really isn't anything to get excited about.
Overall Rating : 2.5/5
Pros: Sci-fi atmosphere, Guitar riffs & solos
Cons:Replay Value, Depth
Recommended Tracks:"D.N.I"-- "Big Trak Attack"-- "Evil Plans of Planet Specta"
Members - Coco, Birdstuff, Dr.Delecto, Captain Zeno, Dexter X
