Warped
Tour 2006 Compilation
SideOneDummy Records
Imagine the Warped concert tour as a nomadic gathering. Clans assemble,
dance and scream, reuniting for a day of full-on freak-out and brotherhood.
Social norms be damned. The two-disc Warped Tour 2006 Compilation
CD serves as a 51-track soundscape of this summer journey. Let
the gathering begin.
Flogging Molly contributes "Laura," a ballad that brings
to mind The Waterboys with a howl, aching violin, and beauty that never
fades. Gogol Bordello's "Not a Crime" barrels into snarling
gypsy punk.
Usual suspects such as Saves the Day, NoFX, and veteran Joan Jett and
the Blackhearts toss their musical Molotov cocktails into the mix. Jett's
"Five" proves that maturity and experience can add depth to
driving guitars and raspy rock vocals without losing a step.
Helmet lumbers forward with bottom-heavy bass and the guttural assault
of "Bury Me." Check out Chiodos' "The Words 'Best Friend'
Become Redefined" for its manic Mozart-like guitar intro, compelling
piano line, understated vocals that soar into a valiant chorus, choppy
chords, swirling synth and rampant drums.
Slightly Stoopid packs enough energy into "Nothing Over Me"
to fuel a small city. Next speed into the guitar bursts and relentless
drumming of Eight Fingers Down as they dive headfirst into "Everything."
And that's just a taste of the first disc.
The Casualties bring a brawling attitude to "Under Attack."
Pause, regroup, check the dental work. Compilations, especially one
this extensive, allow fans to find their favorites and a few discoveries.
Relient K breaks up the pace with its energetic emo introspection. "Which
to Bury, Us or the Hatchet" is not afraid to rock first, figure
it out later. Rise Against brings another heartfelt song with "Everchanging"
that stands out on disc two.
Bands like Motion City Soundtrack, Bouncing Souls and Crash Romeo punch
up the pace with enthusiasm. Bedouin Soundclash pumps out a funky bass
line on "Rude Boy Don't Cry" that should transform this tune
into a summer fave. Some might prefer the aural assault of Love Equals
Death or the bombastic Scotch Greens. Los Kung Fu Monkeys wins for the
most amusing name, but "Short Fuse" is no laughing matter
with its triple punk-ska combo of horns, guitars and drums.
Altogether, this Warped Tour compilation represents a vast tribe of
musical nomads that vary in style and sonic expression. Listening live
in concert or delving into these discs is worth the journey. —
Pete Dulin (posted 06/09/06)
The Warped Tour 2006 will be at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in
Bonner Springs, KS on June 19.
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