They aren't called Crap Engine without reason; they sound pretty crappy. I am not going to stretch this and go into post-modern analysis to argue that the Crap they are trying to dissipate is the Crap they are trying to emulate, because that is absolute crap. A bad band is unfortunately a bad band.



The group consists of Justin Petertil on vocals, Seth Vanek on drums, Matt Kohnhurst on guitar, and Scott Mason on Bass. The story goes that after Petertil was discontent with the sub-par music being created to rave accolades he decided to try his own hand at making "subversive 3 minute pop 'ditties'". He explored a variety of different pop styles all the way from tin-pan alley to do-wop. They then decided to focus their energy on a rock tradition. I think, without a doubt, that this information is crap. No style is assimilated on this album and nothing stands in solid ground; it's a mess.



The first song "Out Of Style" has an upbeat rhythm and a tearing guitar all blended behind Petertil's obnoxious vocals. The choruses of "You're out of style" and "Knew your name" show the superficial memoirs which Petertil relays without sympathy or sincerity. His face is in your face, glaring nostrils and all.



Some songs venture into sweeter and softer territory on songs like "Hear Me Baby", but the cliches remain and the music isn't heartfelt. As a backing band though, the group plays very well. They echo their influences and it becomes quite exciting listening to them; they have that good time pop feel. But Petertil's vocals weigh everything down and drag the song through the mud.



On "Fall Together" once again the group plays well, especially Kohnhurst on guitar. He is able to blend Petertil's vocals into the harmony of the music for once and the sound is fairly enjoyable actually. You are able to guide yourself through the music and it is open and demented, just like they want it; but it's attractive. The songs aren't nearly long enough though, and the group doesn't explore the possibilities of each; instead they mash up one after another in a relative explosion of mediocrity.



It's a shame to see a band that's quite talented not realize their own potential. If more time was spent trying to really squeeze themselves into one song rather than write fifteen, then they might triumph in discovering something. There are more and more artists that seem too anxious to reach fame that they discard all notions that they are involving themselves in an art form.



Track Listing

1 Out of Style

2 Break the Silence

3 Battery Baby

4 Hear Me Baby

5 Bombin Now!

6 Scared

7 Relax

8 Fall Together

9 Can I Go

10 Tear It Apart

11 Daddy's Gone

12 Write My songs

13 Headache

14 All I Want

15 Alibis