Belvedere

Belvedere: Because No One Stopped UsBecause No One Stopped Us (1998)
Hourglass

Reviewer Rating: 4.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: citracitra
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Published on January 31st 2003This album displays the very shaky roots of a band who turned out to be one of the most impressive and talented in the new generation of Canadian punk bands to emerge during the late 90's. While not as crisp and mature as their later releases, (especially the brilliant "Twas Hell") it still serves i.

This album displays the very shaky roots of a band who turned out to be one of the most impressive and talented in the new generation of Canadian punk bands to emerge during the late 90's. While not as crisp and mature as their later releases, (especially the brilliant "Twas Hell") it still serves its purpose well: to be melodic, fast, and grimy.

While some of the songs' riffs are near ripoffs of other punk giants (NOFX, Diesel Boy, and No Use for a Name jump to mind), I wouldn't hold it against them - they do it well, and it's enjoyable. The songwriting here, while juvenile, is extremely catchy, harmonic, and at some times, prolific as hell (a very odd combination for a punk band these days). Songs like the obvious album highlight "Market Share" assure the listener that they're really in for something special, and songs like "Subversive" and the blistering "My Girlfriend Only Likes Me When I'm Drunk" keep that feeling evident throughout the remainder of the record.

For those who haven't heard their newer stuff, or actually got to hear this album prior to the newer releases, it's a very important release for this band, and a very impressive debut album. While it's not available for the masses, if you have the opportunity to pick it up, make sure you do - or else you'll regret it.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

evildeadalive (February 5, 2003)

'They have a new split with downway recorded with brian baker of bad religion coming out soon.'

Of Bad Religion? Come on, how about of Minor Threat?

Le_MAD (February 5, 2003)

That was fun :-)

Anonymous (February 4, 2003)

Alright Lemad. I think I can roll with those comments and make a truce on this one.
P.S I really wouldnt want to put you in a cage.

Le_MAD (February 3, 2003)

Ok, I just realized that from my comments I may sound like a fascist. The fact that half of the kids here in Quebec are skaters is the primary reason why I don't like them. Since they skate because it's cool makes most of them stupid. I guess there's some worthy people in there, but they are probably diluted in the mass.

Secondly, I have no rage against skaters. It's just that english (as you may have figured) is not my primary language. So maybe I didn't explained my point correctly.

The main problem I have with skatepunk is the lack of originality of the bands. Pulley and Strung Out(is this skatepunk) are good, but most bands in the genre just imitate other well known bands like pennywise, lifetime, nofx, etc. So if Belvedere work hard for their scene, I don't feel like they work as hard on their music. I don't think I'm elitist by saying that, I just want the punk movement to continue its growt.

Anonymous (February 3, 2003)

Ahh Lemad, this is getting funny listening to you scwerm in whatever makes you the aparent opposite of "not punk". What are you even doing making comments in a belvedere review anyway?
The amount of touring and commitment that this band has done and shown to the scene is more "punk" than anything youll ever do in your life. Id like to put you in a cage in front of my house, put on my etnies size 34 jeans put on a few belvedere, pulley and strungout records, skate around for a bit and watch you rage. HA.

Anonymous (February 3, 2003)

Diesel Boy a punk giant,ewwwwwwwwww.
That band sucks sooo bad.

Sara(no h)

Le_MAD (February 3, 2003)

Btw, staker girls are ok, since they have such tight and firm asses.

Le_MAD (February 3, 2003)

"So, That begs the question; what is?"

Stop looking in the "clothing and hairstyles department" and you might find something.

Anonymous (February 3, 2003)

Maybe he was a Sk8r Boi

Anonymous (February 3, 2003)

"Baggy pants look stupid
So do backwards baseball caps.
That isn't rebellion"

So, That begs the question; what is?

A Mohawk and leather jacket? HAH!

I challenge you to find anything thats truely rebellious these days.

- ReynoldsStyle

p.s. I think the guy whos all anti-skater prolly just had his girlfriend stolen away by one or somthing. mm hmm, thats what I think.

Le_MAD (February 2, 2003)

Skaters are empty, useless people. Therefore skatepunk is empty and useless. I would add it's not creative, artistic, intelligent and most importantly not punk.

PS: I would suggest looking in the dictionary if you're not sure what "punk" is. And btw, you should also look for "pompous".

MAD

Anonymous (February 2, 2003)

Keep on ridin that hateskatepunk cause it popular bandwagon. Dont fool yourself and try to say that you dont feel more elite and say you have "good taste". What a fucken cop out.

Anonymous (February 2, 2003)

Baggy pants look stupid

So do backwards baseball caps.

That isn't rebellion

waste_elite (February 2, 2003)

"dressing with style and liking bands with more substance than belvedere doesnt make me 'feel elite'..."

yeah, but it makes you sound like a pompous ass

Anonymous (February 2, 2003)

i don't wear baggy pants and i don't skate...but i sure do love belvedere...

Anonymous (February 2, 2003)

"To LeMAD- No you are not the only one to hate us and skate punk. Its seems like everyone now a days does cause it makes them feel more elite in the scene cause the stuff they like and the way they dress just happens to be more obscure"

dressing with style and liking bands with more substance than belvedere doesnt make me 'feel elite'...

i just dont wear my jeans all baggy skater 1996 like some of you fools...

not liking 'skatepunk' has more to do with taste than being elitest.

Anonymous (February 1, 2003)

www.mp3.com/belvederepunk

a new song called "Brandy Wine" from the upcoming belvedere/downway split is up.

Anonymous (February 1, 2003)

To LeMAD- No you are not the only one to hate us and skate punk. Its seems like everyone now a days does cause it makes them feel more elite in the scene cause the stuff they like and the way they dress just happens to be more obscure.

Le_MAD (February 1, 2003)

Another awful canadian band. Am I the only one who hates skaters and skate punk?

Anonymous (February 1, 2003)

this album doesn't even begin to compare to the newer stuff...but it's still a great album.

Anonymous (January 31, 2003)

Twas hell said former child is way way better and should of been the record reviewed here. They have a new split with downway recorded with brian baker of bad religion coming out soon.

Anonymous (January 31, 2003)

Never heard this album, but i love 'angels live in my town'. good, fast, loud....the way punk should be

Anonymous (January 31, 2003)

boring same drum beat skate punk at it's best

Anonymous (January 31, 2003)

Diesel Boy is a punk giant? Huh, I never knew.

maverick (January 31, 2003)

This band sent me this disc a long time ago because I was supposed to book them a show in Belvidere, IL [how ironic - Belvedere in Belvidere]. The show never panned out, and the disc never really impressed me, but I could see kids who worship Fat Wreck really creaming themselves over this.

-Scott