Author: Mark Thompson

When a friend handed me this CD saying it “smoked” I wasn’t sure what to make of the comment as whenever we are involved with something it’s always that much better. Then again, that’s why we’re involved with it as it’s something truly special as is the debut album from the Bay Area’s RE:IGNITION entitled Empty Heart Loaded Gun. This album went into the CD player and has stayed there since given to me.

Given the past lives of the musicians within this unit, you might not think that the the songs on EHLG were actually written by these five guys. Song #2, Like A Beating starts off with cowbell then kicks into a driving beat with a catchy verse, but when we come to verse 2 singer Dave Moore reaches into a higher pitch wail reminiscent of Chris Cornell (think Rusty Cage). The song Loosely Tied Ends sounds like they had a writing partner (Dave Grohl comes to mind) with the bounceyness of the chorus, but they still maintain their own identity. There’s a lot to be said for drummer Mark Hernandez who takes a simple guitar riff in By A Thread and adds a twist of tom-tom work that drives the song and keeps it from boredom. The guitar/bass work supplied by Snake and Steve (yes, they switch instruments here) and Tim Howell maintains a certain fluidity and intrigue, yet remain simplified to allow the vocals of Dave Moore shine through as he has a voice that can carry RE:IGNITION to the top of the new rock heap.

What I really admire about this release is that the band has managed to keep a metal edge to the material, yet with enough pop sensibility and arena vibe which creates a true masterpiece of an album. My only hope is that they can get the proper push and attention to earn them the respect (and sales) that they deserve with an album this strong. There are plenty of singles that should gain the attention of radio programmers across the country.

Rating: 10/10
Label: Corporate Punishment
Website: www.myspace.com/reignition

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 3rd, 2006 at 12:02 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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