Diesel Boy

Diesel Boy: Venus EnvyVenus Envy (1998)
Honest Don's

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: fatpunkguyfatpunkguy
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on May 18th 2010Diesel Boy never really progressed their sound, but they got better at it with each album. Venus Envy is a step up from their debut but sticks to the fast melodic punk style they were known for. At first listen, it would be easy to dismiss these guys as post-Punk in Drublic, generic '90s punk rock, .

Diesel Boy never really progressed their sound, but they got better at it with each album. Venus Envy is a step up from their debut but sticks to the fast melodic punk style they were known for. At first listen, it would be easy to dismiss these guys as post-Punk in Drublic, generic '90s punk rock, but there is actually quite a bit more going on here.

One of Diesel Boy's strong points was their ability to change pace and rhythms within a song without the song ever feeling chopped up. They keep the songs short and fast, but each feels sort of like a short story--they really know how to stuff quite a bit into a two-minute track.

Though not an especially technical band as far as songwriting goes, these are guys who know how to play their instruments. The guitars do have some interesting parts outside of just driving the songs. There are some pretty catchy solos as well, and even the bass shines on many spots on this record. The drums feel kind of generic, but the job gets done. The vocals are well done with well-placed harmonies and background vocals--plus Diesel Dave is a very unique and expressive singer which brings the songs up a level.

As far as song topics go, they touch on some of their recurring themes such as sex and the love of heavy metal. Although many considered them a joke band, they don't rely on humor for every song.

Production-wise, this record sounds great. I never really cared for distorted vocal parts, but even these parts sound good. The guitars sound thick and the bass and drums are mixed in perfectly.

This is a great album and if you missed it, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. One last thing--I don't know what's up with the hidden track; oh well.

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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.

wallrock (May 20, 2010)

I never liked this album very much unfortunately. I had bought Sofa King Cool first and I really liked it, but after picking up Venus Envy I really fell out on the band. If I recall the only song I really liked was the third track. I've still got it on my iPod but it'll probably go on the next cull.

Speaking of the iPod, I had the last song come up on shuffle a few years back and I unfortunately left my desk without pausing the song. The hidden track consisting of the chick rubbing one off came on while I was still away, shocking the hell out of my officemate. She came into the print room (or wherever it was I happened to be) and told me my computer started playing porn all of the sudden.

barleypat (May 19, 2010)

I thought the show I was talking about was upstairs, but I may be wrong, it was a while ago. I miss going to St. Andrews/The Shelter. It was a long drive, so we always made a night of it and went out for some great food in Greektown while we were there. I haven't seen a show down there in 6-7 years, except Rise Against, I think on the early side of the Siren Song tour. I haven't lived in Michigan for a while, but happened to be passing through w/ friends when that show was going on, so we swung by.

eatdogs (May 19, 2010)

i like the diesel boy who plays drum n' bass.

SilentStorms (May 19, 2010)

Always been my favorite Diesel Boy album. Track 3 is the shit. In a good way.

LosPeptobismol (May 19, 2010)

mpc and BarleyPat- I remember that show at the Shelter. They were opening for Shonen Knife.

They headlined St. Andrew's I think the next year to a not much bigger crowd. FYP played that show too. Shit.

slymer (May 19, 2010)

Rode Hard and Put Away Wet, Sofa King Cool, and Cock Rock are all better

mpc (May 19, 2010)

BarleyPat, was that at the Shelter? I think I was there. Good show.

punker001 (May 19, 2010)

Loved this and rode hard and put away wet

paulrulzdood (May 19, 2010)

the only Diesel Boy album i ever really got into. It's pretty good. how timely, doesn't this album have a song with a Dio reference in it? is that this Diesel Boy album? is this also the one with the porn recording as the hidden track? and "rubbing the elf"? pretty fun album if these are all indeed on this record, i just can't remember.

Paul

pricey123 (May 19, 2010)

my favourite diesel boy album. 'continuing misadventures of generation x superhero slackerman' , 'endless summer days' and 'song for the kids' are my pick of the best on the album.

chipsahoycookie (May 18, 2010)

Such a great album. Every Diesel Boy record I have huge memories with, usually of roadtrips. I wish they put out one more record for shits n giggles.

barleypat (May 18, 2010)

Love these guys. Saw them once during their heyday in Detroit on a Sunday afternoon and there were only about 50 people there, tops. I was shocked, I guess I had just assumed they had a bigger following because they were on some of the more well known comps. They put on a great show anyways.

XchinatownX (May 18, 2010)

I still have this album on tape somewhere. This reviewer nails what made Diesel Boy such a solid 90s punk band. I'd pick them (or Ten Foot Pole, or Pulley) over The Gaslight Anthem and the Menzingers anyday; Diesel Boy's melodies actually stay in your head.

AllAgesPete (May 18, 2010)

I love Diesel Boy, and this album.

ffwoodycooks (May 18, 2010)

havent listened to this in a LONG time but, I remember it being one of my favorites.