Review by Rachel Jablonski
Ok so I know I shouldn’t make any political references, particularly while reviewing a band from Oshawa Ontario, Canada, but with the U.S. election rapidly approaching and the rather humorous coincidence – at least in my mind – I just can’t help myself.
The band is Rumsfield, the album is Terrible Times. Not to be mistaken for Rumsfeld, the current Secretary of Defense for the United States, Terrible Times. Our friendly neighbors to the North have unknowingly (more than likely) created quite an irony to my dark appreciation. I need to get the idea (and image) of Rumsfeld out of my head. The band is Rumsfield, Rachel! Rumsfield!
Without one obvious theme on their second release – at least that I can detect – Rumsfield has established variety in their musical display. Catchy heavy rock with good vocal contribution, mostly melodic with occasional growls as well, each tune on Terrible Times has its own appeal. Reminiscent sounds seems to be present on most tracks in some way creating a subconscious comfort while newness of sound fills the conscious.
“Die Again” is a great song that really exemplifies the powerful melodies produced by vocalist Dean Scott. Portions of the song remind me of old school Staind, material that may have been found on their Tormented album. The bass is prominent and the guitar ends each measure with the high screech of a note. The beginning vocals are slightly comparable to Aaron Lewis of Stand as well, but this trend does not last long. With its own character a captivating chorus, tell me what you see… does it make you scared, shows a great mix of melody and backing screams. The percussion adds a shaking addition to the song as well.
Listening to “Die Again,” I hear the beginning guitar and picture a corresponding shower of mysterious insects falling from the sky; the squishy squeaky guitar sound signifying insects – brown, quarter sized bugs with claw-like limbs – falling at a steady beat. You might be wondering what drug I’m on. What’s the problem inside me? the song desperately asks. Why do we need to internalize when there are bugs falling on our heads! I'm not on drugs so just pretend this is a musical metaphor or something. Humor me for godsakes. My imagination runs away with me as that guitar riff plays.
“Layers” is another song that shakes things up with deep guitar that seems to sing through each line. The song breaks into a crisp guitar and then back again throughout the song keeping with the same riff pattern throughout. Like many other tacks, the chorus is extremely catchy. The album continues along these lines with rich vocals and guitars, special percussion, and individual character. However again there are similar comparisons between certain songs on Terrible Times to that of other bands. The chorus of “Escape,” among the furious snare and hard guitar riffs, reminds me of the vocals of Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory fame. And “Stray” is slightly Dog Fashion Disco-like with a short, staccato, and light feel among the instrumentation.
But I dig the album. Maybe it’s the musical bases rooted in my subconscious from previous recordings by other bands, maybe it’s a compilation of sounds I just haven’t heard in awhile, maybe I just plain like it, but whatever the reason a good number of tracks are worth a listen.