Review Summary: DRI went from punk to thrash, and it turned out good.
DRI, also known as Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, never got a mainstream audience, and if they ever record another album, they'll still never reach major success. But during the 80's, these crossover-thrash underground legends released a slew of fast and heavy albums. One of my favorite DRI albums is their fourth release, 4 of a Kind, which is their first true thrash release.
DRI, like Anthrax, are not to be taken too seriously. They have some rather humorous songs, especially on their punk rock albums. Couch Slouch, anyone? Most thrash is
serious business, like Slayer, but the humor is still here on 4 of a Kind. Songs like Shut Up are perfect examples of a how a band can be BRUTAL METAL and still have a sense of humor.
The things that make DRI such a good band are their lyrics, speed, and catchiness. All of their songs are fast, thrashy, and catchy. They may not be the best musicians in the world, but they can still play. Felix Griffin is a pretty generic thrash drummer, but Spike Cassidy, the guitarist/songwriter, has a good style of playing. The bass just goes along with the guitar and is barely audible except on certain parts of certain songs, like the opener, All For Nothing.
The vocalist, Kurt Brecht, has a decent voice for a thrash vocalist. I've never held my standards too high for thrash singers though. Although his voice is more suited for the earlier punk rock songs of DRI, I still think it goes fine with this type of music. Other thrash singers like James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine were much better though.
DRI's 4 of a Kind is a pretty good album. Although previous albums such as Dealing With It and Crossover are better, 4 of a Kind is speedy, catchy, and just a fun listen in general. Most of the bands that crossed from punk to metal were better as a punk band, and this is so for Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, but even as a thrash metal band, these guys are still a fun band. If you like cynical and sarcastic lyrics, moderately fast riffs, and more, then pick up Dirty Rotten Imbeciles' 4 of a Kind.
Songs That Rule:
All For Nothing
Manifest Destiny
Slumlord
Suit and Tie Guy
Man Unkind
