Piebald - Killa Bros and Killa Bees

For Piebald fans, this package is a must. Killa Bros and Killa Bees, while centered more around the DVD disc, also includes a disc of b-sides and rarities, and when you put the two together, you come out with an essential--if you're a Piebald fan. If not, this really wouldn't excite you and isn't the best place to start if you've not heard the Boston-to California-back to Boston quartet comprised of an ex-hardcore drummer, and motorcycle enthusiast, a former subsitute teacher (or something along those lines), and a previous employee of Newbury Comics. Their bastardization of indie pop and rock, and Travis Shettel's colorful, off-key vocals, has made Piebald a favorite in many a crowd. Compiling demos from the last record All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time ("Part of Your Body is Made Out of Rock," Put Your Slippers on Instead," "All Sense is Lost"), and a slew of unreleased material. Of these, nothing is out Piebald's character; the songs are catchy and quirky, but the band does explore a little unknown territory. "The King" employs a harmonica to accompany a song that's more folksy than expected from the group, and "Waiting on the Rays" could have been written and recorded in a barn. As for the live DVD, it's pretty basic. You get up close and personal with the band, on and off stage. They're goofy guys, and the tour life makes for a good laugh. I will say, though, that you can see the band live and hang out with them for less than the DVD costs! But, like I said, for you Piebald fans, this is necessary. For you, I'd rate this a 5. For the rest of you, I'd give it a 3, as it's not groundbreaking or overly exciting, but it's still a good time. So, I'm taking the average, of those two...5 plus 3, divide by 2...4 is the score. [www.piebald.com]