Rocket from the Crypt
Group Sounds
Vagrant Records

Rocket from the Crypt is back doing what it does best with Group Sounds: gritty, roaring rock 'n' roll. The San Diego sextet breaks the mold, combining '50s style rock rebellion, '60s soul and the speed and power of late '70s punk, pulling it off seamlessly.

This record takes RFTC back to its signature sound of powerful, blast-you-out-of-your-seat guitar rock, last heard on the group's 1995 album Scream, Dracula, Scream. Like that album, Group Sounds includes the distinct howling horn section. "Fast," "gritty," and "aggressive" sum up this record with a blue-collar charm fans expect and crave.

The vocals of singer/guitarist John Reis, aka Speedo, bellow and grind at full volume on every track, with plenty of pent-up aggression and '50s street-gang attitude. "Return of the Liar" has Speedo singing his heart out, with a scratchy tone and scowling presence.

The album opens with "Straight American Slave" — the epitome of the RFTC sound. Loud, forceful guitars drive the song, while their signature staccato horns burst in periodically then ring smoothly in the background.

"White Belt" is another no-nonsense, fast-paced number that will have you moving your body from the first note, if you have a pulse. Both are testosterone-laden and overflowing with energy.

The lone slower tempo song is the closing track, "Ghost Shark." A brooding change of pace from the super-charged energy of the rest of the album, it features a jangly, but pretty, piano. This song feels slightly out of place on this album. Groups Sounds is a fevered and fast-paced record, until you make a screeching stop at this number. "Ghost Shark" is good, but it's the anti-climatic misfit on this album.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see RFTC live, you might be missing a vital piece in fully appreciating Group Sounds. RFTC is at its best in concert, and sounds better than on any of its records. RFTC embraces rock ‘n’ roll showmanship. You’ll get greased hair and kitschy uniforms that would make most bands look like a bad Vegas act, but you love these guys for it. If you are lucky, you’ll witness a good old-fashioned guitar duel.

Group Sounds offers a great alternative to run-of-the-mill pop-rock and punk poseur bands. It's for the hard-livin’ and hard-rockin’ ...or at least it will make you feel unafraid to spit in public for about 40 minutes.

— Tina Krinhop (oootinaooo@yahoo.com)