Review Summary: For those who have never experienced ska metal...
Pinkly Smooth is the brainchild of James "The Rev" Sulliivan and Synyster Gates from OC based metal band Avenged Sevenfold along with former bassist Justin Sane. I know right about know a lot of people are saying in their minds "okay drummer/guitarist/bassist from crappy sell out blah blah", I'm gonna stop you there because this cd sounds nothing like Avenged. In fact while I am an Avenged fan this cd blows them out of the water with the sheer musicianship involved. The drumming is more inventive and the guitar work has much more groove to it.
The Rev's singing style is unique to say the least. It may take awhile to get used to his nasally voice and strange screams but after a few listens it becomes a refreshing change of pace from all the mediocre screamer/singers that overpopulate the metal genre. Jimmy's piano work is also strange, sort of childhood memories meets circus music at points on the album. The inspired drum work on the album is also, give him his due, from the mind of James Sullivan. He played drums on "Mezmer", "Nostferatu", "Pixle", and the entertaining closer "Mcfly", although Derek Lee Rock played on the other two tracks. Throughout the album odd time signatures and jazz inspired fills are flawlessly played to create an enjoyable ride that will leave percussionists laughing in amazement. Synyster uses funk inspired riffs along with groove metal riffs to create an interesting listen for all guitarists listening.
Now for the negative. There are only minor faults in this album, one of which being that Jimmy's heartfelt drum-work verges on overplaying in the song "Necromance Theater" and his voice may take time to get used to. The bass playing is also minimal but can be heard.
All in all this cd is worth the buy. Unfortunate Snort is an album that is really the epitome of inventive and unique.
4.5/5
