Reviews

Have you ever woken up one day from three hours of sleep in the most foul mood where everyone, even your friends are eating away at every last nerve, and all you want to do is either A: pass out or B: throw fists at anyone who walks over to say hello? Then, the mail comes…you open it up and it’s a band from Brooklyn called The Smashup. Good fortune or just irony? So you think to yourself…this better make me want to fucking dance or it’s getting thrown out the window at someone I don’t like.
 
A little background on this band is necessary. Vocalist, Watt White is what I like to call a “jingler.” He’s been seen singing in commercials for Subway, Heineken, Virgin Mobile and AOL. Guitarist, Vin Alfieri composes music for box office blowouts such as Fantastic Four, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, American Pie 2 and Fantastic Four.  With that said, The Smashup are experts at catchiness but not necessarily at rocking out.
 
The album’s potential hit, “No Name” begins with White screaming out “Okay shut up! The Dead guy’s got the floor! I might just get emotional so bear with me. Okay shut up! We both know the rules: this is a fifty yard death grip dash for fools!”  His vocals are strong, comparable to those of Stretch Arm Strong.  Backing vocals include cheesy harmonization like in a commercial (again…irony?) and screams similar to those of Bigwig.  However, The Smashup is more alternative than either of the aforementioned bands.  Varying influences make this group eclectic and interesting. 
 
Each song on this record is distinct; belonging deeply to itself.  “Murder To The Mattress” is a acoustic rock ballad about a woman’s abortion with lyrics that hit hard. Whites’ vocals are absolutely stunning in this song with lines like “If God’s so blind he can’t see all the madness, scream murder to the mattress.” And “Your stillborn dreams dissolve as you go.” Another track with some serious potential is “Rachel’s Day” an up-tempo hard rock thriller which deals with drug addiction and all the pain and frustration that comes with it.  The mood, tone and delivery style of these two songs is completely night and day. 
 
Watt White isn’t the only superstar of this group. Alfieri’s talents shine through in songs like “Never Gonna Kill Us,” and “Violencer Pt. II.” You won’t find power chords here; more like someone that knows how to work their guitar and understands the theory behind music, which is always appreciated. 
 
Nothing was broken during any of my five or six listens to this record, which was a little disappointing, but I can pretty much guarantee it won’t be cast aside also.  A group of entertainers, The Smashup are master song-writers who make putting out a solid album seem effortless.  I recommend this if you’re looking for hard rock with a little more of an edge to it.