Spring Break
CD REVIEW: Boston-based Daisycutter proves their musical worth
by Adam Schwartzbaum
Arts | 2/10/04
Posted online at 5:17 AM EST on 2/10/04
Singer Scott Matalon of former Boston bands Squid and Modern Art has created new sound with his ambitious group, Daisycutter. Their new self-titled album is an edgy mix of synthesizers, clever guitar riffs, catchy drumbeats and danceable bass riffs that combines electronica, rock, synth-pop and rap into a distinctive sound that any listener can appreciate.
"Just kiss me/Tell me that you love me/Tell me that you need me/Never Let me go," Matalon coos on the fifth track "Big Wet Kiss." It is emblematic of the kind of attention this band is looking for. The lyrics are fun and carefree, concerned with partying and women for the most part. The band is garrulous and brash. On tracks like "Dead Finger," the band shows off all of its talent, with soaring guitar riffs and solos reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The bouncy, playful rhymes compel one to get up and dance, or get in the mosh pit and hit someone.
The first song, "Do the Nasty," is the most successful in capturing exactly what this band is trying to accomplish. Matalon's lyrics come swiftly but slightly silly-sounding, as he raps through the steady bass vibes provided by Johnny Pietrantoni and the clever guitar work of Mike DeAngeles. Synthesized electronica gives the song a fresh sound without sounding kitschy, and an electronic interlude mid-song holds up against the other instruments' sounds. Scott's brother Craig Matalon provides hard rock sensibility as the drummer, complementing the musicianship of the rest of the band.
"Jet Set," the second song on the album, achieves pleasant noise level with its hard guitar rhythm, though the rapping becomes a bit grating by song's end. The song is at its most exciting point when Matalon bellows, "Jet set outta here!"
The next track, "Without You," a more subdued, laid-back song, is a welcome addition. "I've been waiting for the right one/I take a breath and light one" Matalon admits through heavy sighs. The song doesn't achieve anything spectacular, but it's definitely the kind of music you can put on at a party in your dorm room as background music.
"Just kiss me/Tell me that you love me/Tell me that you need me/Never Let me go," Matalon coos on the fifth track "Big Wet Kiss." It is emblematic of the kind of attention this band is looking for. The lyrics are fun and carefree, concerned with partying and women for the most part. The band is garrulous and brash. On tracks like "Dead Finger," the band shows off all of its talent, with soaring guitar riffs and solos reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The bouncy, playful rhymes compel one to get up and dance, or get in the mosh pit and hit someone.
The first song, "Do the Nasty," is the most successful in capturing exactly what this band is trying to accomplish. Matalon's lyrics come swiftly but slightly silly-sounding, as he raps through the steady bass vibes provided by Johnny Pietrantoni and the clever guitar work of Mike DeAngeles. Synthesized electronica gives the song a fresh sound without sounding kitschy, and an electronic interlude mid-song holds up against the other instruments' sounds. Scott's brother Craig Matalon provides hard rock sensibility as the drummer, complementing the musicianship of the rest of the band.
"Jet Set," the second song on the album, achieves pleasant noise level with its hard guitar rhythm, though the rapping becomes a bit grating by song's end. The song is at its most exciting point when Matalon bellows, "Jet set outta here!"
The next track, "Without You," a more subdued, laid-back song, is a welcome addition. "I've been waiting for the right one/I take a breath and light one" Matalon admits through heavy sighs. The song doesn't achieve anything spectacular, but it's definitely the kind of music you can put on at a party in your dorm room as background music.
