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CD REVIEW: Eclectic Mayhem - Eclectic Mayhem
By Cyrus Rhodes - 07/06/2012 - 03:43 PM EDT

Artist: Band: Eclectic Mayhem
Album: Eclectic Mayhem
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theevilelite
Genre: Alternative Rock
Sounds Like: The White Stripes, Led Zeppelin, The Toadies, Foo Fighters
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: On My Way, Better off Dead, Again
Weakness: Winded Songs, Timing Issues, Mix
CD Review: Cleveland based 4 piece band “Eclectic Mayhem” just released their debut self-titled CD. Cited influences ranging from alt grunge stoner rock like Queens of the Stone Age to power rockers like Muse, Radiohead, the Toadies, the Pixies, Foo Fighters. Band members include: When Pat Conley (vocals, drums), Dan Cooley (guitars), Nate Dreher (bass) and Jonathan Khouri (keys).

The CD kicks things off with “Again” a slamming psychedelic rock groove that serves up driving rock rhythm against no holds barred guitar driven groove against heartfelt vocals from Conley that takes no prisoners. Track 2 shifts gears a bit with “Want it All” a melodic  follow-up piece that serves up heartfelt vocal delivery from Conley that flows and ebbs it’s way though to emotional fruition. Track 3 “Takin’ Time” keeps things moving with its melodic guitar ambience, methodical musical build and overall dynamic vocal intensity. As the CD quickly unfolds I can hear influences ranging from Led Zeppelin, The Toadies, and Foo Fighters with perhaps a dash of The White Stripes. The music has everything you would expect from a high octane power driven punk-rock CD. The musical style refuses to be pinned down, the vocals from Conley are amazing, gritty and are deep in your grill. The guitar playing is hot to the touch. There are also touches of Classic Jam band but with a modern Psychedelic-Rock aftertaste here. Conley’s vocal style works extremely well with this style of music with its stereotypical jagged edge delivery. I might add his timing is spot on and his vocal intensity is off the charts. I also noticed a few hot to the touch guitar solos along the way. Rhythm section - lays down the low end groove thick as a brick. What I like most about the music is its sheer intensity; note for note and song for song. Like a heavy weight boxer the songs keep coming at you one after the other - with no sign of letting up. From heartfelt “Let You Down” to grooving “Bender” to melodic “For the Birds” to striking Fun with Guns” to my personal favorite “On My Way” this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 12 “Lost” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.

All songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. I did detect some very minor timing issues here and there. The mix though adequate lacks modern marketability with respect to solid low end frequency and crystal clear high end clarity.  

This latest release Eclectic Mayhem is a solid musical statement from start to finish. Its strength – the raw song for song intensity that keeps coming at you. No doubt these guys are a total riot to check out live in the back clubs of Cleveland, OH. The music is dirty, rock solid, heavy and consistent. Like a heavy weight fighter this CD packs a powerful punch, and goes the full 12 rounds with no sign of letting up. Like a 1-2 punch the song keep coming at you, one after the other until you’re ready to tap out. What am I trying to say? Eclectic f*&#$%g Rocks that’s what!


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