18 SPEED TRANNY (Fluid) CD
This is a brandnew heavy rock trio from Chicago, which are influenced by 70's acid rock, 80's heavy/speed metal, 90's heavy rock (Soundgarden, Alice In Chains f.e) and some of todays bands and this is their first self released full length album. They have recorded it on a eight track porto studio in a garage, and the result isn't the worst one, though I recommend 18 SPEED TRANNY to record their next release in a professional studio, because they write strong songs, but there's a lack of power in "Fluid", due to the before mentioned reason. Sometimes 18 SPEED TRANNY are sounding like one of the lost underground 70's cult bands, especially the Australian heavy hitters Buffalo are coming to my mind, though Ken Harlev is no Dave Tice, but he got a good charismatic voice.
But the retro vibe in their sound isn't that strong, it's more like a updated version of the good old stuff. There are some good and original riffs on "Fluid", and they got the skills to write interesting songs, though there are also a few terrible average songs on "Fluid". But this band is at the beginning and this is a pretty good start. You can't describe this band with the word "stoner-rock", because they avoid all the boring cliches of this genre, what I personally really appreciate. 18 SPEED TRANNY is currently seeking a recording contract with a supportive label, and I hope they get the chance to record their material under better circumstances, because the weak sound is my only point of bad critic. Give it a try, visit their website and order "Fluid", if you're interested in a new promising band.
(KK)