Review Summary: hey, now this is fun.
Just read the name, The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza. Not only does it roll right off the tongue, but also it is a mildly hilarious band name. Tony Danza himself was graced by the presence when a mother e-mailed him, asking him if he was aware of the band (youtube video provided below). While regular viewers of the show may not be the best target audience for their music, there are people who actually appreciate what they do.
Musically, they are a technical metal band with plenty of grindcore and hardcore influence. While they are not a Dillinger Escape Plan hybrid or even Botch impersonators, they do their own thing. “My Bowling Ball's Frozin In A Footlocker In Chicago” and “Clieff Burton Surprise” both begins with such happy sound guitar riffs and vocal work that kind of pulled me into the song. It abruptly ended for both songs and the breakdown-esque riffs infiltrated. Regardless they both turned out to be fun songs in their own regards, whether it was breakdown happy or weird keyboards entering. The vocals are incomprehensive for ninety-nine percent of the record, kind of like Converge except a more quality of sound issue than simply the kind of screaming. After all, I knew when first listening to the band that I would not be checking out the lyric booklet to sing along with my friends. The guitar work can be interesting when they want. Overall, it seems like they do not make an effort to show their talents. An example would be the end of “Bringin It Straight From Alabama” when there is a great, yet simple guitar melody that sticks out and works well with the song, but it is short lived. More moments like that could build who they are in the future.
With extremely low quality recording, the record still sounds decent, even if the bass is muddy and the guitars are chugging along. The record is infested with breakdowns that can overwhelm. Examples are like in the songs “Bill Dance Lands The Big One,” “Tony Little, Jack Daniels, And The Open Road,” and “Daddy's Coming Up” which are seriously like more of just a really long breakdown than a song. The bass stands out as much as, well, okay it does not stand out at all. Acting as the root of the chords mostly or just a rhythm for breakdowns, it does not shine whatsoever.
When looking back at this self-titled record, it was never intended as a serious listen. My feels for The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza are that they a better than average technical metalcore band that are an entertaining listen. With song titles that may try to hard and goofy sound clips, they almost do not take themselves seriously at times. This record will be stored until that random and spontaneous moment in which I want to rock out. It is good to know it will be around for when it is needed.
Tony Danza Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMZMdJaMIMo
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/tonydanzatapdanceextravaganza
