tappenzee
02-06-2006, 12:06 PM
Here's the story of a band that seemed to go in the reverse order of what most bands do.
Most bands start out with a traditional/standard sound, and eventually develop their own unique niche as they get more comfortable and look to challenge themselves.
(keep in mind when reading this, I've never heard their true debut EP "Gravy on yo Grits")
The Gadjits beginnings were apexed by the incredibly unique organ-driven ska/rockabilly album "At Ease". I consider this one of the most underappreciated albums ever. It dropped on Hellcat after a little buzz from their single ("Beautiful Girl") that appeared on the "Give 'em the Boot" compilation.
After that, they released the subpar (but not without its moments of genius) "Wish We Never Met". I'd say the album was about 40% filler material, with 60% real solid work. But I wouldn't be surprised if I found out that this album was made to fulfill obligations with Hellcat, and ditch out.
What makes me say that? Well, after dropping these two albums, with their own sound that seemed to have no real father to the style, they went on to record a straight-ahead rock 'n roll album called "Today Is My Day". Now, judging it on its own merits, TIMD is really a great piece of work. It has obvious homages to Rolling Stones and The Who, and it sounds like this is what they wanted to record all along. The ska riffs and the heavy organ synths were completely abandoned for straight rock, and the outcome is excellent, but it's just not 'THE GADJITS' that I fell in love with from their early days.
Since that album, they have dismantled and sort of reformed as The Architects, and again, they make great rock songs, but sometimes I just wish they would play a few upbeats and get back in that rudeboy mentality for just one more album.
Most bands start out with a traditional/standard sound, and eventually develop their own unique niche as they get more comfortable and look to challenge themselves.
(keep in mind when reading this, I've never heard their true debut EP "Gravy on yo Grits")
The Gadjits beginnings were apexed by the incredibly unique organ-driven ska/rockabilly album "At Ease". I consider this one of the most underappreciated albums ever. It dropped on Hellcat after a little buzz from their single ("Beautiful Girl") that appeared on the "Give 'em the Boot" compilation.
After that, they released the subpar (but not without its moments of genius) "Wish We Never Met". I'd say the album was about 40% filler material, with 60% real solid work. But I wouldn't be surprised if I found out that this album was made to fulfill obligations with Hellcat, and ditch out.
What makes me say that? Well, after dropping these two albums, with their own sound that seemed to have no real father to the style, they went on to record a straight-ahead rock 'n roll album called "Today Is My Day". Now, judging it on its own merits, TIMD is really a great piece of work. It has obvious homages to Rolling Stones and The Who, and it sounds like this is what they wanted to record all along. The ska riffs and the heavy organ synths were completely abandoned for straight rock, and the outcome is excellent, but it's just not 'THE GADJITS' that I fell in love with from their early days.
Since that album, they have dismantled and sort of reformed as The Architects, and again, they make great rock songs, but sometimes I just wish they would play a few upbeats and get back in that rudeboy mentality for just one more album.