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Freakhouse
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Rating:
4.0 stars

With the changing world of music, you never know what ya going to get and FREAKHOUSE is no different. Formed in the 90’s out of Austin, Texas; these home town boys rock the shit outta ya with their new disc. I read reviews of their first EP “Subculture Revolution” which weren’t bad, and then with the first full length CD “Beautiful Misery” in 2003, they gained momentum with Dell computers having the track “Liars, Inc." installed in every unit. But it hasn’t stopped there! The new self titled CD FREAKHOUSE has the track “Dead on the Inside” on Rock Band, Wii and Guitar Hero (gh3)… now that’s an accomplishment! But are they just a marketing machine or can they really bring the tunes?

The opening track “Living The Lie” brings heavy down tuning and full throttle power! Not your typical alternative band or simplistic rock band ala CHEVELLE and others, these guys bring the goods more in the vein of WHITE ZOMBIE with a hard edged crunch! Track two “Dead on the Inside” reminds me of the British heavy metal invasion wave on the US as they bombard you with power chords and hooked filled choruses. Rob Escher’s vocals have range and power and can switch as easily as a chameleon changes its color. This guy is a total adrenalin rush that really excites!

I was a little skeptical with my first listen to the disc. Not that it was bad or anything, I was just checking to see if the band had substance or if they were just screamers with overdubs. My conclusion? These guys are amazing! Just because they are on the heavier side of rock doesn’t mean they can’t write good tunes or give a great vocal performance… they can do it all! What I loved is that they play hard and yet can capture the melodic side of music with their great songwriting.

And if you’re looking for diversity, check out the instrumental “Motion Sickness.” Now tell me that don’t fit the Saw movies! Then go and check out “No Way Down” which sounds a bit like Billy Idol and is just another ass kicking track as with many on “Freakhouse”. Really listen to these guys play… what a band! The drumming by Scan Topham is not your typical alternative snare drum beat. Scan pounds the shit out of those skins and not like many others, always giving that extra kick to the double bass drums to get those full sounds… this guy can play! Not to mention the slick guitar strumming of Matt Clark that fits FREAKHOUSE to perfection.

“Dream” shows the softer side, well… if you want to call it a softer side. Another tune has a good pop and could make it to AOR radio. FREAKHOUSE could be lumped in with other high profile bands like PAPA ROACH and HINDER but what puts FREAKHOUSE above the others is songwriting and great hooks. Yeah those others bands have good hooks and good songwriting but I feel with some good exposure FREAKHOUSE will explode and leave those other boys in the dust.

Just classic, a rendition of RADIOHEAD’s “Creep!” The guitar work by Matt Clark and the heavy bass lines of Scott Freak make the tune come to life. Then lastly, another cover… this one of SPONGE’s “Plowed” which I actually liked better than the original. I feel FREAKHOUSE gave the song more power and almost a punk sound. Cool tune. You gotta get this one!!!


Band Lineup:
  • Rob Escher – Vocals
  • Matt Clark – Guitar
  • Scott Freak – Bass
  • Scan Topham – Drums

 

Track Listing:
  1. Living The Lie
  2. Dead On The Inside
  3. Stitches
  4. Cold
  5. Motion Sickness
  6. No Way Down
  7. Pushing Away
  8. Dream
  9. Tommy's Revenge
  10. Answer
  11. Submit
  12. Listen To The Voice
  13. Creep
  14. Plowed

 

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