Rattaya Nimibutr
Staff Writer
Preview
Given, the image behind Drill Team is a bit cheesy, since the group states that each member of the band represents some kind of zodiac element. Despite that artificial impression, the band's debut album, Hope and Dream Explosion, is a bit more comforting than its name.
Drill Team represents an easy rock framework. The band consists of four guys who hunger for the good-for-something look that their so-called spiritual team offers.
The history behind Drill Team is nothing to write home about. It's simply immature talk of arrests and cultist behaviors. Despite all that, the music offers the average rock-group riffs with some sing-alongs.
Lead vocalist Michael Long fronts this supposed universal team on "Hold You Down," the first track. The moderate taste is simple and somewhat enjoyable.
"Bumble Bee" is far from the candy-cane sensation, while "Peppermint" is a satisfying feed of electric guitar plays. Drill Team shines through a mediocre, yet tolerable, rock quality.
Title track "Hope And Dream Explosion" radiates for a merely good four minutes. It's a reasonable piece and a likely piece, but Drill Team should just focus on what they do best.
Drummer Apollo Strange goes all out on "Camptown Misery" while bassist Jeff Watson shows off his stuff on a one-minute break of solid rock.
The 13-track album is detailed and energetic, welding an ordinary, structured noise. The album also contains the hidden track "Drippin'," which is surrounded with metallic screeches and a mouthful of lyrics.
Orchestral plays can be heard more on "Stars Fly" and "Frosting" as Drill Team paints sorrowful pictures like any other musicians. Every album in this vein seems to have that depressing feeling. This band is no different.
"Sorrow Marry Me" is, of course, depressing but worthwhile, and "Twit" carries the rock waves into a passable nod.
Drill Team hits Emo's tonight. They want you to have a good time - just as long as you let them.