:: ANThology

Alien Ant Farm

This is the band’s major label debut. Certainly, the title stands out as ironic. It’s quite cheeky to name your debut this way. Fans will recall that the band named their first EP “Greatest Hits”. I hadn’t heard of them prior to their “Smooth Criminal” single which, although not that flash in my mind, has made an immediate impression. It’s worth noting, however, that there is songwriting capability here that the “Smooth Criminal” cover could otherwise disguise, although the songs could have been beefed up more. Listen out for “Courage” and the slower “Flesh And Bone”, plus the distorted ways of “Whisper”. The highlight track is “Calico”, which is very emotional. It’s good raw music with big production values. It just needs to fit in succinctly. The vocals of Dryden Mitchell show enough vigour and energy to offer hope but we might need to hear more before gaining a better idea.