Steriogram - Schmack!

I pick various bands to review, and the majority of them are bands I’ve never taken note of before. Therefore, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have pretty awesome taste in music. Rarely am I ever grossly dissatisfied with my picks, and I’m always jamming on new bands I did not recognize prior to reviewing them. I pop in a CD, lower my prudence level and submerge myself in naïveté. Ah. That said, we have this band called Steriogram. And from first listen, I know Steriogram equals wake-up-and-smell-the-freakin’-coffee. These boys from down under, New Zealand to be exact, bring their Capitol Records debut loud, funky, and deliberate. Schmack (Yes. That’s the name of their album, people) is bubbling over with power-pop and cheery guitar riffs galore. At first listen, the rap-rock concept casts a shadow because the whole idea of combining rap and rock is the biggest disappointment, in my opinion, in the history of music—thanks, Aerosmith and Run-DMC. However, with the frequent vocals and all around great melody and rhythm, I was able to somewhat look passed the musical faux pas. “Looking for some brown sugar/In the hot chocolate” is now part of my new pick-up line and is also lyrics from the first track, “Roadtrip,” an ode to touring. When I sing the choruses, I get the sensation that I’m strutting down a city sidewalk; everyone stares at me, my 80’s shades covering my eyes; and my headphones are set to the maximum. I don’t care because I’m walkin’ and a talkin’ and a movin’ and a groovin’. “Walkie Talkie Man”—track two—sticks in your mind like gum in a kid’s hair. “Be Good To Me” is a handsome and compelling tune, but unfortunately, the rapping did not enhance the sentiment when the tune first opened. It only strained it, as if the rap forced it out its disposition. Take note, however, of the title track, “Schack!” and also “White Trash” (“You should see my new hairdo/I dyed it jet black/Oh well it’s short on the top/And it’s long in the back”. Another mullet reference…they’re back with a dark vengeance). This is the only time I’ve ever loved the element of rap in the song because I feel the song would definitely not be complete without it. The stand-out for me was “In the City,” starting off with that boss kick drum and a incredibly strong bass line—I’ve a rhythm-section romance, so to me it’s only necessary for the rhythm section to conquer and they do it up completely on this number. Schmack! is schmacked with goodness: happy, feel-good music, very nifty artwork (Did someone take the time to actually sew tiny, cloth instruments, mics, headphones, and amps, complete with buttons and very fine detailing? Amazing!), and since it’s what makes these boys so charming, they have slightly made me rethink my views on rapping while rocking—ok, maybe not, but they are one exception. In addition, the disc is enhanced with the making of and the video for “Walkie Talkie Man”. Give these righto lads a hand or two of applause. [www.steriogram.com]