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| Tiger ArmyII: Power Of Moonlight2001 Hellcat 
  Review by: Adam See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on August 20th 2001 I'm going to assume my perspective in reviewing a psychobilly album is similar to many of our readers. I've heard the term before but I'm not going to boast I that I own the entire Mad Sin or Nekromantix back catalogues. I think like most North Americans the genre hasn't been on my radar for a while; with a few notable exceptions it's been far more of a European phenomena. It's this lack of popular saturation that makes Tiger Army sound so fresh and exciting. They sound like their doing something new but are instead are really introducing an American spin on a well established subculture. Psycho is rooted in rockabilly. It's punk rock played as if it's major musical influences were the Sun Records bands of the 1950s as opposed to the late 1970s punk bands. Tiger Army revels in these influences, producing a sound deeply rooted in blues, country and a bit of gospel. As with most European psychobilly bands there are elements of Lovecaftian horror in their lyrics and overall image, but to their credit the band doesn't go overboard with the imagery. Its easy to imitate the Misfits and take on a b-horror movie angle, but there's a very fresh sounding sophistication to what the trio writes and sings about. While many horror influenced bands fall into the trap of self-mockery, Tiger Army finds a respectful medium I've rarely seen. The Californian band is largely a vehicle for Nick 13’s songwriting. Tim Armstrong signed the band even before it had a rhythm section. The first incarnation featured Rob Peltier of the Quakes on stand-up bass and Adam Carson of AFI on drums. This album was recorded with the lineup of Geoff Kresge (ex-AFI) on stand-up bass and London May (Samhain, Son of Sam) on drums. May has since left the band. The band really gels on tracks like “Under Saturn’s Shadow” and “Incorporeal.” The song “Cupid’s Victim” is more traditional, with a chorus that could have come from a 50's Sun Records album. The angry “F.T.W.” is a rerecording of an early song that predated the bands entire catalogue. To their credit the crooning country ballad “In The Orchard” fits well with the feel of the album. The album's most complete moment is on the phenomenal title track “Power Of Moonlight,” featuring slide guitar curtsey of Rancid's Lars Frederiksen. Fans
of European psychobilly band will appreciate Tiger Army's take on the style,
progressive yet still very respectful of tradition. The band gives off a similar
vibe to later day Social Distortion and should appeal to those who enjoyed Mike
Ness' country-punk fusions. Tiger Army won’t make psychobilly mainstream, but they will make it more accessible for the punk community… All the power to them.
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these guys kick ass The vampires are loving this album. Muwahahaha! the singer is too white and ugly. Meh...this is okay. Dude fucking SUCKS at singing though. And his lyrics bite my ass. Outside of that, its quite enjoyable. Shawn: On Power of Moonlite your bass has a real heavy sound, like you used a pickup to record. How did you record your bass? tiger army are the pioneers of modern music Yeah, it does remind of me of AFI. More of an old school afi. This is the first psychobilly band i've listened to. Yea Tiger Army! tiger army is great but remind me a hell of a lot of AFI, which isnt a bad thing Yo Scott, Adam, Aubin.... Good Review nicks voice is so cool, and this style is very different and rare. afi fans would truly dig it. only disappointment is that london may sux at drums (i'm a drummer, he's average), and the new bassist isnt as good as the old, but nicks voice is the standout of this album, and the different style is too.it made my top 10 of 2001 This is to fathead, you must have to much time on your hands if your only concern is the use of caps. Isnt the important thing the music?. Please dont waste my time with your pathetic whining anymore. "Good morning class, I'm Shindo and I'll be teaching you Punk Rock 101"....good review though.....sickboi Both of TA cd's are mainstays in my cd player. They are amazing and this band has a very refreshing sound. I could not recommend this band more! must you post in all caps everytime, it gives the false impression that everything you say is extremely important, which it isn't.- fathead This cd is just as good if not even better than the first,these guys are doing their own thing and it stands out at a time where so much music sounds the same. Pure punk rock!!!! yeaaaaahhhhh!!! they rock, i like them alot. different punk = good This one is almost as good as the first record, but it's a shame that the bass player left and Adam Carson didn't play drums on this one.On the original CD, the slap of the bass strings against the neck was very prominent; however, on tiger army ii the slaps are inaudible. This was a major letdown for me. Also, London May's parts are (for the most part) incredibly boring (for more of him lisen to Son of Sam which also has very standard drum beats). Amazingly this CD manages to be almost as good as the original; Nick 13's songs are very original and entertaining. |
