Rocket From the Crypt
Group Sounds (Vagrant)

Rocket From the Crypt is one of those bands you've just gotta see to believe. The group's explosive live sets are a mind-boggling blend of hardcore punk intensity, James Brown showbiz professionalism and all-around raw power rock. It would be simply impossible for anyone to package their power on CD.

That said, RFTC has finally come pretty close with the release of Group Sounds. The band is still cranking out their trademark sound: a highly-evolved hybrid of trebly, buzzing rock 'n' roll energy punctuated by horns and full-throttle, rhythmic synchronicity that makes the glut of faux-gearhead bands in the indie marketplace look like wimps.

Group Sounds is an ambling shark of a record. The band is all muscle and every energy is focused toward the propagation of rock. If you've yet to experience RFTC, this CD is a good jumping-off point. But it's kind of like watching a video about skydiving—you've just got to experience it for yourself, man.

—John Sewell