Record Reviews*CD Reviews*Concert Reviews
RECORD REVIEWS
Blind Spot - Blind Spot (7") and Maude (7")
Blind Spot, PO Box 6762, Santa Rosa CA, USA.
I don’t know much about this band, other than they are an 8 piece from
California... which at first is not enough to
sell me on them. I would tend to be a bit more skeptical because of the
self proclaimed ska influenced bands
coming from the west coast. I was down at Reptilian Records in
Baltimore, and asked the guys to suggest something
new to me (they were great guys!!). They handed me two Blind Spot 45's,
among other things. The first 45, BLIND
SPOT, wasn’t bad..Songs like "Dr. Hux" and "Clueless", my two
preferences from that 45, ARE good, although the
other tunes tend towards the generic. Now, with MAUDE, I was genuinely
impressed. They seem to be stepping out
of the generic and developing a notable style of their own. "King of the
Mountain" and "Burly Man" reconfirm what
I feel is a substantial improvement...I am not saying the first of the
two 45's I have was bad, because it wasn’t, but I
will say that I prefer the MAUDE 45 to the BLIND SPOT 45, because I
feel, that the former is much more reflective
of the actual band than the latter, their own style shows through. If
they follow in the tracks that they have been,
their upcoming releases should be a treat!! Email Blind Spot at:
junderwo@sonic.net
Reviewed: April 29, 1997
These
reviews came from this site
IMPACT PRESS-Dec/Jan '96-97
Blind Spot-Maude 7"-Three tracks of up-tempo ska. There is a punk
influence and the horns are pretty darn
good. Great songs about jocks going to shows to mosh. This is very
danceable.
AMORPHOUS-Issue 4
Blind Spot-Maude 7"- A very good 7" from the extremely talented ska band
Blindspot.
The vocalist is melodic, with similar harmonies, the horn section is
tight and used often.
The production is very balanced, offering a smooth, even sound for the
horn-laden songs.
"Maude" on side A, and "King Of The Mountain" are the obvious winners
here. They are melodic
and upbeat, with plenty of catchy choruses and pleasing vocals. "King"
is downright speedy and
has more a ska-core feel. The third and final song, "Burly Man", from
side B also, is just too forced.
It sounds like someone wrote a cool column for a zine or something about
unnecessary toughness
by big guys at ska shows. A very worthy topic and all, but pushing a
song around the words doesn't work.
It just feels uncomfortable and awkward. My only true criticism is this:
please don't use different speeds
for each side. Besides that, this 7" is great, but I feel this group is
capable of even better stuff, and I can't wait for more.
SOUND SYSTEM-Issue 4 August '98
Blind Spot-Maude 7"-A three song EP of very smooth ska. Blind Spot plays
a nice style of third wave ska
without the el punko influence that divides the genre. Long songs that
go somewhere, and lyrics that aren't monotonous.
A fine slice of vinyl. I'd reccomend all of you folks out there that
want more good vinyl to give a few Reptilian
releases a try. Low priced 7-inches are a great way to expand your
collection and try out some new bands.
These reviews were mailed to me by Chris X of Reptilian records.
Thank you Chris!
CD REVIEWS
Blindspot “Acceleration Zero”
Released on Tomato Head Records ’98
This is some of the best ska I’ve heard in a long time. It’s exactly what I’m looking in for a ska band, soul, energy, and great songs. It’s not 3rd wave ska/punk but it’s not traditional two-tone, it’s somewhere in the middle. One thing it is, is very catchy. For most bands it will take me 2 or 3 listens to get used to their sound but the first time I listened to it I was in love. David Hall’s great voice only adds to the appeal of Blinspot. Some great tracks off the album are Acceleration Zero (it could of done without the echo), Believe (a great slow song), The Fly, and Misfits. I was really sorry to hear about all the changes going on with Blindspot but I’m sure they’ll return to their past glory. I would recommend this for any ska fan will love this.
Reviewed by Greg-dizzity dogg send all ya’lls shout outs to: surfandsnow@hotmail.com
Taken from the
Bay Area Ska
Page
***1/2Blindspot: "Acceleration Zero," Tomatohead Records
Blindspot plays ska
with a rock/punk/r&b edge, varying their style
constantly. Vocal stylings of
David (who also sings in a chorale, so I've
heard) give Blindspot a very
recognizable sound. They like to vary their
tempos a lot in any given song,
such as "I Want to Believe" (which was kind
of moving too if you listen to the
lyrics). I don't really have a favorite song,
but you should definetly check out
"Dr. Hux" and the title track, both
excellent Blindspot live
favorites. And then their is the super-fast "Fly" (just
TRY skanking to that!) which I
also liked. Overall, I was a bit disappointed
with this album because I have
very very high expectations of Blindspot and
was expecting to adore the album.
I still like it a lot and recommend it,
though.
BLINDSPOT ACCELERATION ZERO CD Tomato Head Records
1998
Blindspot plays a unique mix of ska, rock, punk and R&B. If you've ever
seen them live, you know they put out a ton
of energy, and this has made them a local favorite. Now, after more than
four years of playing shows, they've put out a
full-length album, Acceleration Zero. This eleven song CD shows the full
range of their musical talent from the frenzy-paced
"The Fly" to the slow, soulful "I Want To Believe". However, a slightly
distorded feeling for the entire CD, although at first unique and
reminiscent of a live show, combined with the over use of effects on the
vocals prevents this CD from being as polished
as it could have been. Nevertheless,, for those wanting to take the fun
of a Blindspot show home with them, Acceleration Zero is definately
worth picking up.
Reviewed by Trevor Yeats. SECTION M Issue 1 Sept. '98
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