Music reviews from KCSU

Soulfly

“Prophecy”

By Nate Harper, metal director

Musical legend Max Cavalera has seen it all in his 20-something

years of recording and performing metal music.

Cavalera started out his career in Brazil with Sepultura in 1985

with the massively underproduced “Morbid Visions.” That album

centered on fast guitars, blast-beat drumming and plenty of

half-assed satanic imagery in Max’s broken English. Now the leader

of Soulfly, Max has come full circle with his latest release

“Prophecy.”

An espoused believer and born-again Christian, Max has worked

with several different lineups and sounds with Soulfly.

With “Prophecy,” Soulfly has departed from the alt-metal sound

of “Primitive” to bring back the rock with an all-new lineup from

their previous album “3.” Recorded in Arizona and Serbia, Max’s

rage feels more focused, as does the bands sound, with heavier

guitars and tighter production.

The title track kicks off the album with some signature Soulfly

power chords and “Execution Style” brings the band back to “Chaos

A.D.” era of Sepultura with its speedy riffing and growled vocals.

One of the highlights of the album and the biggest departure from

traditional metal music is “Moses” a six-minute-plus mixture of

heavy chords and reggae. Cavalera also delivers Porrada, one of the

hardest-hitting tracks on the album, in his native tongue –

Portuguese.

As always there is the signature instrumental jam track in

memory of Max’s departed stepson Dana.

With “Prophecy” Soulfly has delivered their strongest release

since their eponymous debut in 1998 and given their fans the album

they’ve wanted for some time.

The Living End

“Modern Artillery”

By Rachel Spannuth, Concert Director

The Melbourne, Australia group, The Living End, invade America

for the third time with their latest album “Modern Artillery.”

This long-anticipated album from the band was delayed due to a

near-fatal car accident that left the guitarist/vocalist, Chris

Cheney, unable to play for a year.

This album doesn’t stray far from their previous works of “The

Living End” and

“Roll On,” adhering to their signature combination of punk,

rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. But, as the saying goes, if it ain’t

broke, don’t fix it. This album contains high-energy songs like

“Rising Up From The Ashes,” “Hold Up” and “One Said To The Other.”

The first single off the album, “Who’s Gonna Save Us?” has Cheney’s

recognizable voice combined with some powerful lyrics.

The album is an amazing effort from The Living End, who is

currently on tour with Jet and The Vines on the Australian Invasion

tour, which came to Denver last week.

Toots and the Maytals

“True Love”

By John Holland, assistant music director

During my daily rummaging in the KCSU music office I noticed

that one of the greatest reggae bands of all time had a new record

out. Then I looked closer to see that this could become one of the

greatest reggae records ever.

Toots isn’t doing the typical “peace on earth, be happy, Mount

Zion” songs that are normally associated with reggae. Instead, he

has brought in some of the biggest talents in music as well as some

up-and-coming stars for the latest release. The record starts out

with a track featuring none other than the legendary Willie Nelson.

I was thinking “nice try” but then I heard the song and heard how

well Willie and Toots work together. The record continues with

Toots being joined by Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Keith

Richards and then with artists from our generation. He works with

Rahzel, Trey Anastasio, Ben Harper, The Roots, Rachel Yamagata and

No Doubt among others.

It really is an all-star cast and they do not disappoint. This

is a good record for people who like good music and can be enjoyed

by just about anyone.

Trey Anastasio

“Seis De Mayo”

By Chris Hess

Have you ever wanted to pry inside the mind of a musical genius?

Have you ever wanted to explore the nuances of virtuosity? With

“Seis De Mayo,” the latest solo effort from Phish-frontman Trey

Anastasio, your opportunity has arrived.

“Seis,” which is an album of entirely instrumental pieces,

offers both the most loyal “phan” and the curious observer

something to sink their teeth into.

Those familiar with Phish will recognize intricately arranged

versions of “The Inlaw Josie Wales” and “All Things Reconsidered.”

The introduction from “Pebbles and Marbles” off Phish’s 2002

release “Round Room” has been arranged as an orchestral miniature,

a piece which Anastasio scored in his basement. A full orchestral

version of the Phish jam “Guyute” closes the record, leaving the

listener with goose bumps.

The Caribbean-tinged “Andre the Giant” (featuring Phish bassist

Mike Gordon) and Dixie Land infused “Coming To” (featuring Phish

drummer Jon Fishman) offer up fresh new sounds to please anyone’s

ear. Although short, the record leaves you wanting more.

“Seis De Mayo” is an album that you can take home this summer

and enjoy with your parents while making them think your musical

taste has matured. Listening to it will make you feel smart but hip

at the same time. From beginning to end, each song bests the one

before it, offering a glimpse at what one man from Vermont is

capable of doing in his spare time.