Band:
Nick 13 - Guitar
London May - Drums
Geoff Kresge - Stand-up Bass
Info
Formed in 1995, Tiger Army have gone through many band members and recorded their first full-length album by 1999. By 2001 the lineup consisted of Geoff Kresge playing bass, drummer London May, and the only orignal member, Nick 13, on vocals and guitar. The band produced what is by most of their loyal fanbase their "best" album. Influenced by rockabilly, punk, and a hint of country, they create a sound which they call American Psychobilly.
Positives:
Towards Destiny 5/5
This fast, exciting song gets you pumped. Its anthem-like lyrics just beg to be sung to. It's verse/intro goes directly into the chorus and does it perfectly. After the chorus the vocals are reversed or something of the sort. The bridge is great, it builds up then it goes into the 2nd chorus. Nick's vocals really stand out on this track. Its really cool to listen to. One of the best songs on the album.
Incorporeal 5/5
I've listened to this song TOO many times! Not really because its a great song. The verses are really interesting, they start with two spoken words then Nick sings for a bit then Geoff throws in "Incorporeal". This song is about wandering the earth after death, and wanting release from an eternity of longing. After the chorus there is a great guitar riff that just gives me the chills. Great song, period.
When Night Comes Down 4.5/5
This song has an eerie feel to it. It makes me think about vampires and old churches. The lyrics are good, but the music itself is the standout on this track. Nick plays keyboard on this track it is reminiscent of an organ, it just gives it that dark feel. The drumming is great, its heavy on the snare probably more so than any other song on the CD. Towards the end is my favorite part, when it all just fades out...so cool.
Valley of Dreams 4.99
I gave it a 4.99 for a reason. I cant give it a 5 because it just feels like there is something missing. I don't know what but its missing. This song is great in all departments. I just wish the bass came through better. It really picks up towards the end.
In The Orchard 5/5
This is the mellow song of the album. It has that hint of country that I mentioned earlier. I'm pretty sure the lyrics are about the cycle of life. How everything dies in winter and returns to life in spring, but he'll never see spring again. The lyrics of this song are the best on the album along with Incorporeal. I love the pedal steel guitar on this song. In my top ten song list, enough said.
Under Saturn's Shadow 4.75
This is a hard one, I can't really describe it but this song is amazing as far as the guitar, bass, and vocals. But the drums are too repetitive. That doesnt bring this song down though. I know this song by heart, the music is ****ed catchy and hard to ignore. The chorus is powerful and well sung. I have a personal connection to this song lyrically. I know exactly how it feels. If you're looking for a song to listen to when you're driving around at night, this is it.
F.T.W. 5/5
The shortest song on the album, and doesn't lack anywhere. The drumming is nice and tight, great slappin' bass, and the guitar is great. There's a nice little "greaser" riff after the 2nd chorus. It is a fast, angry song that anyone can relate to. I haven't found one person that can't relate to this song. The chorus is powerful and loud. It's my anthem!!!
Negatives:
Annabel Lee 3/5
This song is based on the poem by Edgar Allen Poe. It is about a man who lost his true love, and is haunted by her absence. I can't really get into this song, it almost contradicts itself. It is fast and aggressive but the lyrics are about being held hostage by your lost love's memory. I wouldn't have minded as much if it were more like "In The Orchard". As far as the music it is a great song and i can't deny that. It's the lyrics that make it suffer. The bass is almost non-existent after the first 5 seconds. The guitar, drums and vocals overpower the bass completely. Despite all that it's still a solid song.
Cupid's Victim 3.25/5
The bass IS BARELY there on this track! The song is about being struck by Cupid's arrow, and falling under a love trance (i'm not really sure). The drums are identical to Under Saturn's Shadow. The guitar is light and airy, the vocals are great. A good song when you overlook the lyrics and barely discernable basslines.
Conclusion
Okay kiddies here's how I see the album:
Great guitar work. (Valley of Dreams, Under Saturn's Shadow)
Tight drumming. (Prelude: Call of The Ghost Tigers, In The Orchard)
Thumping thick bass when it was audible. (F.T.W., Towards Destiny, Prelude)
Bass wasn't easy to pick out of the mix.
Drumming became too repetitve on Under Saturn's Shadow, and Annabel Lee.
Awesome lyrics, easy to relate to.
The standard by which all other psychobilly albums should be judged.
It's more refined than Tiger Army I, faster and more towards punk than Tiger Army III.
Buy it if you like Nekromantix, The Horrorpops, The Cramps, Mad Sin, early A.F.I., The Misfits etc.
Worth a listen if you like rock, surf, punk, rockabilly.
9.5/10 or 4.75/5
