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The Fullblast

Short Controlled Bursts (2005)
Dine Alone Records

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Contributed by: ThomPunkAheaddotcom
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on June 6th 2006

Despite rhe Fullblast's break-up being unexpected and sucking, Short Controlled Bursts, the band's fifth and final release, couldn't have been a better exit. Despite competition for the best of 2005 being small (in my opinion), something hugely special would be required to beat this, with forty-one minutes of anger driven by pounding drumming, solid bass lines, thousands of technical guitar riffs all nearly as fast as light and truly remarkable vocal work.

"Spoons, Gats, (White Collar) Prison Tats" immediately sets the blueprint for the album, perfectly demonstrating each individual member's ability and all their abilities combined to produce a masterpiece; it doesn't take a lot to realize why this is the song that got me into the band. The smooth transition into "Stu Ross, Good Dude; Great Dude" signals how this is going to be remarkable album, with speed and more anger from the vocalist correctly titled Ian St. Anger. One of the band members describes him as 'the angriest person I've ever met' and it's understandable through his lyrics;

And I can't survive with all of this uncertainty, wrought with insecurity

For a person full of rage, Ian expresses it through some of the best vocals I've heard -- no awkwardness by his range at all, perfectly fitting and spectacular. The combination of the backing vocals cannot be ignored either. The talent they all possess and their dedication could not be emphasized any more through the ten tracks.

Tracks like "Stu Ross, Good Dude; Great Dude" and "The Song That (Actually) Doesn't End - Part I" really portray the band's ability of creating mayhem with their speed, and bridges in songs such as "Fred's Got Slacks" and "Radio" are alarms for the band to explode. The band chose the right name -- this blast couldn't get any bigger. The band are a perfect example in demonstrating that despite it being easy to purchase studio time and come out with a CD that makes you sound good, energy cannot be bought; it's earned through hard work, and this band have worked damn hard and earned it..

Strong emotions, passion, speed and hugely talented guys = the Fullblast. This album was labelled as essential listening after first listen and not many albums have that ability with me any more; if you haven't heard it, go and get it, but unfortunately the final track title is now false. But as I said, no band could go out in better style.

And one last note, someone should organize a competition for best air drumming to the intro to "The Song That (Actually) Doesn't End - Part II," the drumming on this album is crazy.

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jennalegge (May 27, 2010)

my favorite band, and Short Controlled Bursts is my favorite album by them. so sad they broke up.

Anonymous (June 6, 2006)

one of my favourite bands but this record doesn't deserve 4.5.
With the 'blast you either loved them or hated them... and there is no beef with pn or bno, andy is now playing guitar in bno, brian is in a whilhem scream and ian run black box recordings.
blackboxrecordings.net
I have no idea what D and matty are up too.

this band will always have been the sound track to my high school.

Josiah (June 6, 2006)

i never "got" this band.

everyone arround me loved them to death, but i saw them open for numerous bands and thought they were boring and uninspired. i don't know why.

Trauma16 (June 6, 2006)

I remember seeing this band a few months before they broke up, nicest guys ever with some real skills. I was actually about to book them when they broke up.
I have to say that i really enjoyed this cd, skills and catchy skate punk for the win. The obnoxious song titles are great too. It just all flows so well for a cd that i can listen to anywhere and in any mood and still enjoy.
Now they all need to take some time off and do one final show so i can get the a last dose in.

maverick (June 6, 2006)

This band broke up on my birthday, and it was the best present I ever asked for.

Good musicians, though.

-Scott

SilentStorms (June 6, 2006)

Holler at Hicks for that quote, but Apone fucking rules everything. Actually that should be my band name, "Alright sweethearts assholes and elbows!" Aliens = best movie ever!!!

FortyMinutesWest (June 6, 2006)

"Remember...short controlled bursts..."

ThomPunkAheaddotcom (June 6, 2006)

Or could it be that I really enjoyed this release??? Is that not allowed with music these days? You can always type your own review of the CD.

SilentStorms (June 6, 2006)

These guys are mediocre at best (my opinion of course), but still, pretty bland pop-punk that tries to be At The Drive In at some points. Give me For the Mathematics anyday. Or just At The Drive In for that matter. These guys are sub-par, and are definately not very talented musicians. They are average. This reviewer likes them too much for the review to be critical. Like the post below, it's just dick sucking.

Anonymous (June 6, 2006)

Someone ought to release a greatest hits record of these guys called "6 years, 5 releases, 1 TEMPO", and it can showcase between 12 and 14 different variations on the same constant drum beat.

TheMarc (June 6, 2006)

Nope, there is something between them, but it's neither here nor there anymore.

Great album, too.

ThomPunkAheaddotcom (June 6, 2006)

Be kind as this is my first review in years.
As for the similarities - i think PN.org just automatically places other albums I've rated and they happen to be albums i've rated.

and I think there's nothing between PN Fullblast, they just reported possible trouble between boys night out the fullblast..

Anonymous (June 6, 2006)

The Fullblast is for sure my favourite band (along with Belvedere), and I like Sick Of It All plenty but I don't really see where they fit in with that grouping...

Anonymous (June 6, 2006)

spill the dirt scott!!

givemeamuseumandillfillit (June 6, 2006)

Wasn't it more between boys night out and the fullblast, and that punknews just happened to be the site where the fullblast found out?

Big_Guy (June 6, 2006)

I really love this album, but I still want to know what happened between this band and punknews.

GreenVandal (June 6, 2006)

No thanks. Try not to type with a dick in your mouth next time.