Album Reviews

- by Nate Hennon

Doing album reviews is a double-edged sword. Sometimes the album you are going to review is terrible and you struggle to say something good about it. Other times you get a 'diamond in the rough', and you strive to provide a balanced opinion.  Most of the time, the album or band falls somewhere in-between. Luckily, for me, I got to listen to the latest release from Drunk Couples. Balance be damned, "Blasted!" is a great album. This South Carolina-based band cover all things you want from a heavy-metal-inspired three piece: girls, drinks, sex, grim reapers, etc.

I look at the first song of any album as a way to set the stage of the entire listening experience. With its driving bass and drums to its metal style guitar riffs “Dick Swingin' Contest" is a relentless song that sets the tone for "Blasted!". "Clingers" and "Wrecked" continue Drunk Couples auditory assault. Which does not let up until the fantastic drum intro of "Neck" and the melodic bass line of "Carcass".

This reprieve does not last long as both songs kick into high gear within 30 secs of said intros. The only song that is slightly different than the rest of the album is "Raisin' Hell in The Holy City". This song is a little slower, yet super heavy. It is probably the best song on the album, but that decision depends on the frame of mind you are in when you listen to any song on this album.

If I have not made this entirely clear yet, this is a great album. There is a conscience choice to make a straightforward rock album that is prevalent throughout most of Drunk Couples’ material. From the beginning to the end the musicality, approach, style and execution of "Blasted!" is damn near perfect.   I highly recommend it.