Action Toolbelt

Item: Action Toolbelt
Author: Derek Skillings

(2004)

Reviewed by Derek Skillings

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Label Fastmusic RecordsDecapolisJune 2004

alternative rock indie rock punk

The coolest part about Action Toolbelt is the fact that the drummer only has one leg and plays with a prosthetic.

It all goes downhill from there.

They are a four-piece that describes themselves as 'part of the new Long-Island sound'. I describe them as a tired sound that was done ten times better ten years ago. I have a hard time making it through the entire album as all of the songs sound and feel the same. Distorted guitars and simple beats back the strained voice of lead singer Owen Biggs.

In their defense I might be being a little hard on them. They are not terrible, they can adequately play their instruments. Their sound is not annoying; they just fail to offer anything to keep my interest. Hearing just one song would not lead one to say they are a horrible band. There is nothing terrible that sticks out, but nothing good either. Only when hearing the entire album does the uniform and tired sound stand out.

Admittedly, the choruses of "Sick and Tired" and "I Quit" did indeed stick in my head for a little while after listening to the songs. But they were easily forgotten on a whim. If you are into college rock, you will probably have a better time watching a local band at a bar, because they probably wouldn't be much worse. If you want to give them a try regardless, you can stream the whole album on their website.

1.5/4