Bullet Lavolta
Swandive (RCA) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2
Hats off to producer Dave Jerden (Jane`s Addiction, Social Distortion, Alice in Chains) for fleshing out Bullet Lavolta`s metal-tinged hard rock style. Jerden`s crisp, ear-candy production splits the band`s multiple-register power chords to the extreme left and right of the stereo spectrum, creating a textural sound storm of warm guitar harmonics. Guitars are mixed far forward, making them just as prominent and expressive as lead singer Yukki Gipe`s rock `n` roll exhortations. Bullet Lavolta`s standout qualities include melodic hard-rock songwriting, a tight, galloping rhythm section and melody-catapulting background harmonies. The song ”What`s in a Name” is a good demonstration of the band`s strengths, aside from being a compelling anthem to teen anxiety. You may not be inclined to sit down and listen to ”Swandive”
in its entirety very often, but if you`re looking to touch a raw nerve, there are some choice cuts here.
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)
