Introducing... The Craze
The Craze
February 28, 2006
Dynatone Records
The Craze
February 28, 2006
Dynatone Records
Introducing.. is The Craze‘s debut record. Produced by Gary St. Clair, who’s also co-founder of the label Dynatone, on which the band released this cd. This cd is a mix of rock&roll, alternative rock, new wave and pop/rock. You can dance to the songs as well as rock out to them, which is a combination that’s been lost since the mid-80s. Sometimes you hear a little Bowie or Duran Duran in the songs and Joe Jackson is what comes to mind often. Sometimes a little Steelers Wheel or Finn Brothers and at times it even hints back to The Kinks, The Who and the likes. And there’s definitely some Beatles in there. I can’t say The Craze sounds like these bands or musicians but they are definitely influenced by at least a number of them. The band creates a creative and somewhat original sound that brings back the good old days. With singer Jesse Vaz, they have someone who has outstanding and distinct vocals that put energy in each and every song. Bass player Sammy Ballante makes the steady basis of the songs with a professional play on the bass, supported by the talented young drummer Ainsley Hubbard. Finished off by an energetic and inspiring Giddy Pastor on the guitar, this band has the complete package. Catchy, dance-able, rocking songs that have the ability to excell on radio as well. Give it some time and this band will conquer the world of music. There’s room for improvement but this band has what it takes. Therefore they get a 8/10.
Turn On My Radio
With this opening track, The Craze found a way to set the mood. This energy-driven, up-tempo track, that seems to have some americana influences as well as some new wave influences, makes it impossible to sit still. Turn On My Radio would be a great radio single and probably also do well in clubs and bars. The lyrics in this song aren’t the deepest you’ve ever seen but they display the message of the song very well. And what’s wrong with understandable, interpretative and maybe even simple-looking lyrics? I think those can bring across the message a lot better than those deep lyrics that are a puzzle to decipher in the first place. I’d say, turn up your radio (or probably stereo) to get moving. This song has the quality to become a classic.
Kiss Yourself (The Ruby)
Kiss Yourself is a very intelligent track. It carries on in the same mood as Turn On My Radio, though especially the rhythm instruments (drums & bass) make a difference compared with the opening track. Also theres a little more room for guitar solos in this song. This one is very tight and I really enjoy the rhythm instruments. Vocals are very clear as they are on the whole record. Once again the lyrics are pretty much straight-forward but that fits the music and shouldn’t be a problem. Personally I think this song doesn’t have the potential that Turn On My Radio has and it’s too bad it follows up that song immediately. It would probably get more credit later on the CD cause the tracks display the same mood, musically. Still it is a very decent track, just not as memorable as the opener, in my opinion.
Betty Barrubi
The first time I played this song I found myself moving and humming along. This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head. Betty Barrubi strikes me as a song that many people can relate too. Even though you can interpret the lyrics in a few different ways. Personally I take them a bit more sarcastic as they were probably intended to be. But it can be interpreted as a straight-forward love song too. I love the melodic lines in this song and this softer side of The Craze suits them well. Betty Barrubi definitely isn’t single material though, cause it would probably be crucified in the media. Its not a song that you can listen to non-stop but if you hear it again, it gets stuck in your head. But if you listen to it like 3 to 4 consecutive times you heard it often enough for awhile. I don’t want to say it gets boring but the song doesn’t really get to a climax. Its a fine song but it doesn’t move on. Personally this is not one of my favourites on the record. Maybe a piano could make this song more vivid. Especially cause there is potential in the melodic lines if only those were less repetitive.
You
You is my favourite track on the CD. The lyrics are pretty much straight-forward. And Jesse Vaz’s lyrics are superb on this one. Also I love the melodic guitar on the record. Chris Pastor does a great job on that one. The bass by Sammy Ballante & the drums by Ainsley Hubbard are a perfect rhythm section. This song just fits. You would be a good radio single too in my opinion as long as it isn’t released as the first single. Something needs to pave the path (Turn On My Radio perhaps?) and then this could be big. It has a climax when 1m30 before the end a short guitar solo hits off. The solo has a perfect length so it doesnt disturb listeners. They can still keep their attention to the song. This song is one of those songs that you can listen to 20 times without getting bored. I dont know about you but I am very enthusiast about this one.
Tonight
Tonight has some post-grunge and new wave influences and is an up-tempo song. The drums in this song are splendid. Would be a great opener in a live set. Gets the crowd going and it the vocals and BGV have a great harmony. For the CD I think it wouldve been cool if this song had been #2 & Kiss You (The Ruby) wouldve been #5. This song is something I’d love to hear in the bar I usually go out. When I listen to this song, for me, it’s easy to make a comparison with Joe Jackson. I can really see the same style of music and somehow also the vocal harmonies and guitar riffs seem to be somewhat similar. I really like this one. And next time I see Joe Jackson again (hopefully he’ll be touring in the Netherlands again) I’ll have to give him a copy of this CD. Im pretty sure he’d enjoy it.
Baby Blue
Baby Blue is a memorable song. This song instantly reminded me of 3 bands. Collective Soul, The Hollies & Blind Melon. But now that I listen to it again I am thinking: Hey, I would’ve believed you if you told me this was written by Bob Dylan. So you see that I already named 4 excellent musical acts. Do I need to say more to express the greatness of this song. The lead guitar is Collective Soul-ish, the harmonies are Hollies/Dylan-like and the vocals have clear hints to Dylan. Where did I hear the Blind Melon in you say? Well, mostly the creativity and arrangements. I think this song would hit big in the charts if it got proper promotion. One of the best songs on the record.
Take It How You Want It
I think this song doesn’t get the credit it deserves on the CD. This is a pure live song. It kinda reminds me of Steelers Wheel a little. Though The Craze has better vocals (which, once again, remind me of Joe Jackson) in my opinion. This song can’t completely convince me. The bass is probably the strongest asset to this song, along with the vocals. I like it, but not as much as many of the other songs.
Let Me Know
The first thing that came to mind when I listened to this song: Bowie? And I still hear David Bowie influences in this song. I’m probably the only one who hears this but yeah, I do hear a similar sound. And you know what? Its performed perfectly. I had to get used to this track, Let Me Know had to grow on me but I actually see it as one of the better tracks on the CD.
Get Ready To Go
Great live song. Probably a good closer. This song reminds me a little (just a little) of Porcupine Tree sometimes. Though only certain songs by P.T. Also one of those tracks that had to grow on me. Sometimes its a little to repetitive I think but with the right vibe this could be one hell of a closer for the live set. As for the vocals, I think it had been nice to have a 2nd or 3rd vocalist on this one. Vocal harmonies could’ve made this song stand out. Get Ready To Go is a good song but it doesnt really stand out.
Your Eyes
Did The Beatles team up again? This song has a typical 60s sound. I loved it instantly. Even my dad thought this one was very nice. And hes very critical when it comes to music. The other band that this song made me think of was Buffalo Springfield. And it’s not just musically that I can draw a parallel with The Beatles but also lyrical. “After all you put me through you know Im still a fool for you when I look in your eyes”. This song is also produced very well. Usually producers tend to compress these songs too much but that didnt happen too badly with Your Eyes. I’m glad. Cause that makes this song even better.
Coming Down
Damien Rice’s guitar meets Noel Gallagher/Oasis? That, combined with a big The Craze-ingredient makes this song very strong. It’s kind of a laid-back song. The guitar effects are splendid and the melancholic vocal lines and steady bass & drums make this song a gem. It might be a bit of a rough gem but I really like it. Its one of those songs that has a lot of potential. I think many people would be able to get into this song. If its possible single material? I dont know. I’d make it a b-side, not an a-side.
Never Knew
This was a very good pick to end the album with. Never Knew is an energy-driven, up-tempo song again with great vocals. Rock and roll at is purest. Reminds me of Jet, The Kinks & The Who. Though the vocals are definitely really different. The drums also remind me of The Who. It’s not the best song on the record but it has some very, very intelligent musical arrangements. Im probably biased cause I’m already caught by The Craze’s music but can you really deny there’s something magical about these songs? I didn’t think so. I bet you never knew how good they are. Well, listen to the CD.
Turn On My Radio
With this opening track, The Craze found a way to set the mood. This energy-driven, up-tempo track, that seems to have some americana influences as well as some new wave influences, makes it impossible to sit still. Turn On My Radio would be a great radio single and probably also do well in clubs and bars. The lyrics in this song aren’t the deepest you’ve ever seen but they display the message of the song very well. And what’s wrong with understandable, interpretative and maybe even simple-looking lyrics? I think those can bring across the message a lot better than those deep lyrics that are a puzzle to decipher in the first place. I’d say, turn up your radio (or probably stereo) to get moving. This song has the quality to become a classic.
Kiss Yourself (The Ruby)
Kiss Yourself is a very intelligent track. It carries on in the same mood as Turn On My Radio, though especially the rhythm instruments (drums & bass) make a difference compared with the opening track. Also theres a little more room for guitar solos in this song. This one is very tight and I really enjoy the rhythm instruments. Vocals are very clear as they are on the whole record. Once again the lyrics are pretty much straight-forward but that fits the music and shouldn’t be a problem. Personally I think this song doesn’t have the potential that Turn On My Radio has and it’s too bad it follows up that song immediately. It would probably get more credit later on the CD cause the tracks display the same mood, musically. Still it is a very decent track, just not as memorable as the opener, in my opinion.
Betty Barrubi
The first time I played this song I found myself moving and humming along. This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head. Betty Barrubi strikes me as a song that many people can relate too. Even though you can interpret the lyrics in a few different ways. Personally I take them a bit more sarcastic as they were probably intended to be. But it can be interpreted as a straight-forward love song too. I love the melodic lines in this song and this softer side of The Craze suits them well. Betty Barrubi definitely isn’t single material though, cause it would probably be crucified in the media. Its not a song that you can listen to non-stop but if you hear it again, it gets stuck in your head. But if you listen to it like 3 to 4 consecutive times you heard it often enough for awhile. I don’t want to say it gets boring but the song doesn’t really get to a climax. Its a fine song but it doesn’t move on. Personally this is not one of my favourites on the record. Maybe a piano could make this song more vivid. Especially cause there is potential in the melodic lines if only those were less repetitive.
You
You is my favourite track on the CD. The lyrics are pretty much straight-forward. And Jesse Vaz’s lyrics are superb on this one. Also I love the melodic guitar on the record. Chris Pastor does a great job on that one. The bass by Sammy Ballante & the drums by Ainsley Hubbard are a perfect rhythm section. This song just fits. You would be a good radio single too in my opinion as long as it isn’t released as the first single. Something needs to pave the path (Turn On My Radio perhaps?) and then this could be big. It has a climax when 1m30 before the end a short guitar solo hits off. The solo has a perfect length so it doesnt disturb listeners. They can still keep their attention to the song. This song is one of those songs that you can listen to 20 times without getting bored. I dont know about you but I am very enthusiast about this one.
Tonight
Tonight has some post-grunge and new wave influences and is an up-tempo song. The drums in this song are splendid. Would be a great opener in a live set. Gets the crowd going and it the vocals and BGV have a great harmony. For the CD I think it wouldve been cool if this song had been #2 & Kiss You (The Ruby) wouldve been #5. This song is something I’d love to hear in the bar I usually go out. When I listen to this song, for me, it’s easy to make a comparison with Joe Jackson. I can really see the same style of music and somehow also the vocal harmonies and guitar riffs seem to be somewhat similar. I really like this one. And next time I see Joe Jackson again (hopefully he’ll be touring in the Netherlands again) I’ll have to give him a copy of this CD. Im pretty sure he’d enjoy it.
Baby Blue
Baby Blue is a memorable song. This song instantly reminded me of 3 bands. Collective Soul, The Hollies & Blind Melon. But now that I listen to it again I am thinking: Hey, I would’ve believed you if you told me this was written by Bob Dylan. So you see that I already named 4 excellent musical acts. Do I need to say more to express the greatness of this song. The lead guitar is Collective Soul-ish, the harmonies are Hollies/Dylan-like and the vocals have clear hints to Dylan. Where did I hear the Blind Melon in you say? Well, mostly the creativity and arrangements. I think this song would hit big in the charts if it got proper promotion. One of the best songs on the record.
Take It How You Want It
I think this song doesn’t get the credit it deserves on the CD. This is a pure live song. It kinda reminds me of Steelers Wheel a little. Though The Craze has better vocals (which, once again, remind me of Joe Jackson) in my opinion. This song can’t completely convince me. The bass is probably the strongest asset to this song, along with the vocals. I like it, but not as much as many of the other songs.
Let Me Know
The first thing that came to mind when I listened to this song: Bowie? And I still hear David Bowie influences in this song. I’m probably the only one who hears this but yeah, I do hear a similar sound. And you know what? Its performed perfectly. I had to get used to this track, Let Me Know had to grow on me but I actually see it as one of the better tracks on the CD.
Get Ready To Go
Great live song. Probably a good closer. This song reminds me a little (just a little) of Porcupine Tree sometimes. Though only certain songs by P.T. Also one of those tracks that had to grow on me. Sometimes its a little to repetitive I think but with the right vibe this could be one hell of a closer for the live set. As for the vocals, I think it had been nice to have a 2nd or 3rd vocalist on this one. Vocal harmonies could’ve made this song stand out. Get Ready To Go is a good song but it doesnt really stand out.
Your Eyes
Did The Beatles team up again? This song has a typical 60s sound. I loved it instantly. Even my dad thought this one was very nice. And hes very critical when it comes to music. The other band that this song made me think of was Buffalo Springfield. And it’s not just musically that I can draw a parallel with The Beatles but also lyrical. “After all you put me through you know Im still a fool for you when I look in your eyes”. This song is also produced very well. Usually producers tend to compress these songs too much but that didnt happen too badly with Your Eyes. I’m glad. Cause that makes this song even better.
Coming Down
Damien Rice’s guitar meets Noel Gallagher/Oasis? That, combined with a big The Craze-ingredient makes this song very strong. It’s kind of a laid-back song. The guitar effects are splendid and the melancholic vocal lines and steady bass & drums make this song a gem. It might be a bit of a rough gem but I really like it. Its one of those songs that has a lot of potential. I think many people would be able to get into this song. If its possible single material? I dont know. I’d make it a b-side, not an a-side.
Never Knew
This was a very good pick to end the album with. Never Knew is an energy-driven, up-tempo song again with great vocals. Rock and roll at is purest. Reminds me of Jet, The Kinks & The Who. Though the vocals are definitely really different. The drums also remind me of The Who. It’s not the best song on the record but it has some very, very intelligent musical arrangements. Im probably biased cause I’m already caught by The Craze’s music but can you really deny there’s something magical about these songs? I didn’t think so. I bet you never knew how good they are. Well, listen to the CD.