Alright, now we are onto something here. This trio straight outta Baltimore sounds like a 5 piece band and worthy of a recording contract. I read that Chris Kozlowski produced this album in his studio, Polar Bear Lair Studios with the guys from TUBEFREEKS. All of the tracks that are on this CD “Complex Disorders” are phenomenal. It’s crisp and clean. The vocals soar out of Paul Van Valkenburgh’s body. Paul Van V also plays bass for the band so he is multi-talented at best.
Shawn Vickers guitar playing is killer and it is quite obvious that he is seasoned. Last but not least Geoff Burrell beatin’ on the drums completes this trio. I have listened to these tracks over and over and still can’t believe this is a three piece band. I would love to see them live. Sometimes it can get confusing when there are 5 and 6 band members on a CD or a stage. I like the simplicity of the size of the TUBEFREEKS but don’t confuse that with their sound being simplistic, these guys tear it up.
The first tune “Aflagarden” is heavy and is used by WWE wrestler Bill Bain as he struts to the ring for his matches. “Dumb Games” and “S.O.B.” have some insane guitar riffs. They sound “old skool” late 80’s early 90’s. If you are partial to music from the 80’s and 90’s with a new edge you will really dig these guys. “Split Down 40”, “Warm December”, “Sequenze” , “Spirits”, “Still I’m Blind”, “Blackwater Rise”, …all great tunes well written and recorded.
The TUBEFREEKS are a diamond in the rough. Where have they been hiding? The tune “Parana” really shows some true talent. It has a sick, and I mean sick guitar intro that goes into a badass drum solo that goes into more sick guitar riffs. There are no vocals in this tune it’s just guitars and drums. I have never heard a tune quite like this one. It’s truly a cool jam session. “Tripped Out Man” really makes me feel like going out and breaking something in a good way of course. It’s a step up from the other tunes and is a little heavier. The last tune on the CD ”Complex Disorders” “Face Of A Rival” is yet another great tune and displays more of the same great vocals and playing in the previous tunes. In short, just when the last notes are heard in this last song it’s time to hit “repeat” and listen to this CD again and again.
Good job boys! When in the Baltimore, MD area, look for these guys, pick up the CD and support the TUBEFREEKS!!
R n’ R! If it’s too loud, you’re too old!
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Band Lineup:
- Vocals and Bass: Paul Van Valkenburgh
- Guitar: Shawn Vickers
- Drums: Geoff Burrell
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Track Listing:
- Aflagarden
- Dumb Games
- S.O.B.
- Split Down 40
- Warm December
- Sequenze
- Spirits
- Still I’m Blind
- Blackwater Rise
- Parana
- Tripped Out Man
- Face of a Rival
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