In today's scene it's refreshing to come across a band who utilizes the mathematical approach to songwriting in heavy music without taking the ridiculously over the top route that many "tech" bands use to separate themselves from the pack. Many times bands of the latter nature end up trying so hard that the tracks they write can hardly be called songs because they're almost not listenable. Johnny Cage is a Fake is a band who decided to make their debut full-length part of the tasteful bunch instead of the look-how-fast-I-can-do-this spazz crowd.
Hailing from the Big Apple, Johnny Cage's debut for Purity Records is a good lesson to other newcomers in how to create a debut album that is memorable and doesn't suck. It is one part heavy and one part sheer intensity, with crafty musicianship to back it up. Think of Breather Resist in its loud and heavy moments and a little bit of Botch in its more subdued moments. Sometimes a similar sound to bands like The Now can also be heard. But don't stop there. Johnny Cage puts in plenty of their own spin throughout the album such that any direct comparison to another band would ultimately fall short. Certain elements particularly stand out, like the remarkable bass playing and its interplay with the guitar. The songs are different in terms of riffs and feel, and cause the listener to want to return for repeat listens. One of the few drawbacks to this album though is that the band occasionally falls back on the all too tired breakdown to change things up. If this band musically explores a little beyond the scope of this debut, then future efforts should really showcase Johnny Cage in a light of their own.
Bottom Line: This is a good, solid debut that should be paid attention. Listeners of mathy hardcore that tends to remain slightly outside the box will surely like this. Those looking for more simplistic music might want to approach this with caution. Either way, Johnny Cage is on the right path. |
