THE GENERATORS include ex-members of LA punk rock band SCHLEPROCK, and this is their sixth official release. “Excess, Betrayal….” was first released in 2003 on People Like You Records, but now it has been re-released to enable distribution to the US (which makes sense, since these guys are American). As an added extra this re-release contains 5 bonus tracks that did not appear on the 2003 release.

The sound that the band has achieved on this album surprised me a bit. A lot of it is pretty straightforward rock ‘n’ roll with a punk rock edge. The opening track “Roll Out The Red Carpet” is the highlight for me, as the vocals remind me of Greg Graffin. The track sports a classic bass line and a great pub sing-a-long chorus with an oi! influence.

Other songs feature attractions such as a piano accompaniment, acoustic moments, and a song “Dying In A Rock & Roll Band” that has a real 50s rockabilly or probably more accurately REV HORTON HEAT air to it. All of these elements help create an album with more dimension than I would normally expect from this type of band. I have a feeling that THE GENERATORS were trying to get away from the "three-chord with melody" thing while diversifying and maturing their sound a bit.

When it comes down to it, I think parts of this album are great for lightweight melodic punk rock. There are some fine hooks, some nice riffs and the production is great. However I can’t help but feeling that there is something missing, maybe some power, maybe a bit more attitude. During these moments, I begin to get bored. But just as that feeling begins to dominate my attitude towards the album, a song jumps out that makes me think, “Yeah, ok. I can dig this”.

I would say this album is quite decent and would appeal to both those who appreciate the more commercialized melodic punk rock as well as some of those with underground tastes.

- Saltry

OFFICIAL SITE: www.the-generators.com

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