I Wrote These While I Was Supposed To Be Balancing Equations: Reviews Of New Releases By Local Bands

Record reviews are a tricky business. It's one thing to enjoy music, but to, like, pick out what you like about it? That being said, if I review your thing and I didn't like something, don't feel too bad. My opinion doesn't matter all that much.

Mirrors - Something That Would Never Do - Mustard Records - 16 songs - Download
One of several Cleveland bands listed as the forefathers of punk, Mirrors gained somewhat more notoriety once they split, with some members going on to join The Styrenes. Previously released on vinyl by Violet Times in 2009, this new, download-only issue adds one song, "All My Life." The songs themselves have singer Jamie Klimek's distinctive, visceral voice, guitars that  switch from sweet, light leads into snarling, distorted power chords, primitive drumming, strange layers of keyboards, and more. Mirrors, like other "proto-punk" bands, are obviously influenced by The Velvet Underground, but Mirrors go further, mixing the three-chord power and lyricisms of Lou Reed with melodies somewhat reminiscent of "Forever Changes"-era Love. "How Could I" somewhat emulates "I'll Be Your Mirror" (only with harpsichord and without the German accent) in its guitar leads. "Hands In My Pockets" is influenced by the three-chord songs found on "White Light/White Heat," as well as outtake "Guess I'm Falling In Love," clearly, but with Klimek's unique spin on things. Other highlights include the hilarious "Penthouse Legend," with it's goofy, album-titling refrain and manic energy, and the loony choruses of "Everything Near Me." 4/5

electric eels - Die Electric Eels - Superior Viaduct -  songs - Vinyl, download
Lakewood hometown heroes electric eels are often cited as the first punk band ever, and this record lends itself to that theory. It contains the famed single "Agitated/Cyclotron" as well as material found on the eels' other, hard-to-find reissues of the past, such as "The Eyeball of Hell" and "Those Were Different Times." The songs are trebly assaults, with Dave E McManus's whining vocals and the twin-guitar, no-bass madness provided by John Morton and Brian McMahon. I believe the only song with bass is the two-chord, experimental piece, "Natural Situation." Also includes Cleveland punk anthem "Jaguar Ride," the random, grooving "Refrigerator," and the great "Anxiety," described by Julian Cope as "the most clamorous de-glamourising of a song, ever." 4/5

Cleveland Steamers - Who's Next? - Smog Veil Records - 10 songs - Vinyl, CD
The Cleveland Steamers' second album rocks just as much, if not more, than their first. "Standing In Line" (and its reprise, "Still Standing") are odes to waiting for the checkout, listening to idiotic customer's complaints and jibber jabber. The band recruits Adults' saxophonist Marianne Friend for the second track "Dance Baby!" which recalls not only some songs by that band, but some songs of Cleveland legends the Easter Monkeys as well. The dual vocals of Meredith Rutledge and Cheese Borger work perfectly, both switching back and forth between lead and backing. And the band, composed of guitarist Nick Summa (from Floydband) and Death Of Samantha drummer Steve-O, ain't bad either. Plus, the 2 Bobs (Richey and Sablack) make guest appearances on "Papa Oom Maw Maw" and "Being With You," as well as Tom "Freddy Pants" Fallon on the drums for "Papa Oom Maw Maw." What this all adds up to is a record perfect for any fan of the Defnics, the Pink Holes, and any other band mentioned previously in this review. 4/5

Are you a local band? Do you have a record out that you'd like me to review? Email me a link at vaguelythreatening@gmail.com or just let me know you're sending it, and mail whatever non-digital format to John Kompier, c/o Lakewood Observer, 14900 Detroit Ave, Suite 205, Lakewood OH, 44107.