Volcano! are a rock trio from Chicago consisting of Aaron With on vocals and guitar, Mark Cartwright on the electronics and bass and Sam Scranton on the drums and percussion. Their influences range from classic rock, post-punk, free jazz and noise rock.

They certainly are not an easy band to figure out. If you like easy listening coherent music then this band are not for you. However, if you enjoy noise, scratchy guitars, way out there melodies and a miss mash of percussion this band are so right for you.

'So Many Lemons' is their new single and it took me a good few listens to actually like the beat even a little bit - and even now I’m not convinced. It reminded me of a student band practising in their garage, playing to an audience of disturbed and angry neighbours.

The beginning of the single actually starts off okay, but the further we get into it the worse it becomes. The drums are out of time, the harmonies are so off key that they hurt your ears and the whaling vocals of White made me want to turn the noise off and go and do something less boring instead.

Unfortunately, this is the style of the group and I am sure they and their devoted fan base are pleased with the end result, even if no one else with any taste is.

'Slow Jam (Lee J. Malcolm mix)' begins with a very euphoric sound and I began to think that I might actually like it. Unfortunately, it’s not to be as White’s vocals come into play and... well... they are just as whiny as always. Having said that at least this track actually has a melody, which if you take away the vocals would be quite catchy.

'Skillman Avenue Just Wants to Have Fun (He Can Jog Mix)' opens with a guitar staccato, this is mixed with percussion and has a slight feel of Irishness to it. The beat is good, and White’s vocals actually mix well with this track. The electronics are also easy on the ear.

I’m sure there are many angst teen bands out there who dream of becoming the next Volcano!... with any luck they will grow out of it and save our ears as well as their neighbours sanity.

This is a strange mix of musical styles, and even though I found potential in the last track on this single it would not make me feel like parting with any money to buy it.

3

Helena Rea