Reviewed
May 13, 2000 by David Longenecker|
Reviewed
May 13, 2000 by David Longenecker |
Ice Girl is the latest CD by GF1 (formerly Scheerenergy), an independent band from north of Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. I've watched the band for several years now, and am impressed with the growth I've seen. Musically, Ice Girl is a huge step forward for a band that was by no means at the bottom of the totem pole. The professional production work is obvious, and the whole CD seems to flow better than the previous ones. In terms of overall concept, though, this CD seems to be to be a step back. Each of the previous CDs revolved around a central concept, and in fact Video World picked right up where Hollywood Notions left off in a continuous flow of theme. Ice Girl seems to not have a continuous theme to it, and is definitely a completely new direction.
"Where Is The Love" is probably the best track on the CD, in my opinion. Sweet harmonies on the chorus top juiced-up classic rock in a song that leaves no question as to its statement. GF1 mixes crisp vocal harmony not entirely common in rock music, and the contrast between the harmonies and the lead singer's drawl make for an interesting listen.
From beginning to end, much of this CD is your prototypical classic guitar-rock number. In fact, I even hear a bit of classic Petra in the rhythm and bass guitars during the title track. Mind you, prototypical doesn't mean unoriginal - quite the contrary in fact. The band managed to capture many of the elements of 80's guitar rock in a very 21st century format.
One song that deserves special mention is "Middle of the Night," a remake from Sheerenergy's Video World recording. The song poignantly depicts the terrible state of a country where children kill each other in school, where teenagers carry an arsenal into high school and go on a rampage, and where violent video games and movies are used as babysitters. "Middle class America, it's the middle of the night. Wake up America! It's the middle of the night." The song not-so-subtly hits on the root of the problem, though, much Like Carman did with "Revival in the Land." Nintendo games where kids can kill people and creatures endlessly. Easy access to all sorts of filth over the Internet. And most importantly, parents too busy to see what their children are up to (or even to care, sometimes). I heard either Chuck Swindol or Roger Bothwel (I don't remember which) discussing the frequency of ADHD diagnosis and Ridlyn prescription recently, and I think they hit the nail right on the head: parents are using prescription drugs and diagnosis of mental disorders in place of parenting. I think the issue is deeper still - parents in 21st century America all too often are passing off their parental responsibilities to any willing party - be it TV, video games, the Internet, prescription drugs, friends, etc. We've got to start parenting if we hope to take our country back. My only negative comment here is that although the production work is cleaner and more professional, this remake of the song lacks the dark feel and power that made the original climb into my head and stick there.
Much like "Video Whirled" demonstrated the band's instrumental prowess on Video World, "GF1" closes this CD with an image of instrumental excellence. But where the former was a mind-boggling demonstration of sonic energy, the latter is a much more subdued and sophisticated piece of workmanship.
When all is said and done, Ice Girl is a very good CD by a band that has shown considerable musical growth over the past few years. It seems ever so slightly as though the band lost some of its creative freedom and originality under the hand of a professional producer, as this is the first CD not self-produced by the band. On balance, though, I think this is a step in the right direction.