The Band:

Chad I Ginsburg - Vocals, Guitar, Moog, Bass, Orchestration

Deron Miller – Vocals, Guitar, Moog, Bass, Orchestration

Jess Margera – Drums

Matt Deis – Bass

OK, folks, I need to be honest for a minute.  When I got the CKYalbum in the mail, I was less than thrilled.  I’ve never been a big fan of the band, really I’ve never even heard much from them.  I always attributed their rise to fame based on the fact of who the drummer is related too.  So I threw this CD into the player and wasn’t really expecting all that much from it.  I figured it would be more Jackass metal and goofiness, some of my opinion of the band had also been colored by their drama surrounding their last tour cycle when the band were at each others throats and throwing punches and talking about it quite openly.  One thing I’ve learned in the business after all these years is to keep your battles between your band mates a private matter.  Folks, let me tell you one thing, I was absolutely wrong about these guys.  While this record isn’t the greatest thing ever, it’s pretty darn good and had me with my mouth hanging open a few times.  So let’s get right to it shall we?

What works?

I’m a sucker for a moog, I’m also a sucker for the tones a moog creates.  I’m also a sucker for bands like Zombi and Goblinwho use the moog quite effectively.  Let’s go ahead and add CKY to that list.  When I saw Moog listed in the linear notes on the CD, I laughed thinking to myself “sure, I bet there is a little squiggle here and a little squiggle there but no real use of the vintage keyboard”.  Boy howdy was I wrong.  The moog is pretty much an important part of each one of the songs adding to the feel the band was going for of the late 70′s early 80′s vibe.  Many times I was thinking to myself that this sounds like vintage 70′s rock with a bit of 80′s hair metal thrown in for good measure.  I’m actually shocked to say that I dig the hell out of this record.  Another great part of this record is the production.  I know most people aren’t into that sort of thing but I am.  I dig good production, I also dig production that forgoes the industry standard of pushing the vocals so far in the mix that the only thing you can hear clearly is the vocals.  CKY avoids that and creates a lush, layered and very dense sound.  The album sounds heavy without really being all that heavy.  It’s thick and it’s layered and there is a lot going on for the listener to pay attention too.  Color me impressed again, especially when you consider the band did the production themselves.  Nice work guys, HI FIVE!  A few other points to mention as well.  The vocals are done really well, I like the layers of reverb on them and I like the fact that they are a bit mysterious on the record.  Also the guitar effects on the solos are great.  I dig the layers of reverb, chorus and flange on the solos.  While it gives the guitar leads a definite 80′s vibe, it isn’t done for the over the top or ironic effect.  These guys are playing solos with the effects they believe in.  I dig it, and I’m not a huge 80′s metal fan.  Good job guys, I’m very impressed.

What didn’t work?

The biggest problem I have with the record as a whole is that by about three quarters into the record it starts sounding pretty repetitive.  The vocals aren’t carrying a lot of melody, they leave most of that up to the moog and the guitars, so after awhile you get the feeling of been there done that.  Second, and this ties into the vocals as well, but the music tends to sound like a one trick pony by the end.  While it’s all very enjoyable and a ton of fun to listen to, I was hoping for a distinct change in tone by the end of the record and it never came.  Those are minor squabbles and really the only weak spots on this over all solid record by the band.

Final Analysis:

This is a fun record that definitely captured the vibe that the band was going for.  It’s not going to break new ground or shatter young minds, but it will provide some fun and entertaining listens.  While the album isn’t perfect or an instant classic it should make new fans, I know because it made me a fan of the band.  I recommend this record for fans of Dog Fashion Disco(Adultery era Record), H.I.M.(it’s not a strong connection but I think CKY have some influences that fans of this band would dig), Zombi and Goblin.

4 out of 5 stars on this one.

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