If you're expecting a retro-rock extravaganza a la WOLFMOTHER, like ASG's album cover suggests, prepare to be disappointed. The psychedelic, black light inspired cover art certainly recalls the great rock posters and art of the 60's and 70's, but the music that tries to "Win Us Over" is the lame, studio sanitized crap that drove all real rock fans out of the music mainstream in the first place.

What's most frustrating about ASG is that it's clearly evident from some of their songs that they are aware of current trends (well, trends from the last ten years or so…) in the underground rock music. The best song on the disc would have to be "Dull Blade," which shows a strong influence from stoner rock forerunners like KYUSS, and, unlike the tunes on rest of the disc, relies more on the music to carry it rather than the hook or melody. This song has groove and a modicum of soul. But that influence goes awry on a song like "Glow." This track starts in a similarly uptempo and rocking style with a riff that could've been found on a lost NEBULA recording, or something. But when Jason Shi's sickly sweet relationship movie soundtrack voice comes in, it sounds more like a JIMMY EATS WORLD castoff. Now that we're on the subject, it's worth pointing out that the vocals are the weak link in this already broken chain. Shi's vocals are thin, forgettable, and oftentimes have to rely on some studio trickery to make them presentable to the white t-shirt/backwards cap wearing Deweys they no doubt cater to. In case you were wondering, ASG stands for "Amplification of Self Gratification," and the less said about that, the better.

So did they win us over? Well, if you're a fan of A PERFECT CIRCLE, NICKLEBACK, or later day SMASHING PUMPKINS, your answer would likely be "yes." But if you're a regular to the Peacedog camp, it's obvious what the answer will be.

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: www.asgnation.com

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.