This Bleach needs to get dirty. A combination of funky fuzzed guitars, the odd 70's-ish disco vibe, some electronic noises and sounds a la Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage, and a slightly nasal vocalist. Bleach has all the base components to sell records. Unfortunately, they never really capitalize on their potential. The lyrics are, well, typical sub-standard fare--take for instance the first track, "Static":
It's just like electric shoes
That I just want to run to you
I know that you want it too, I want to stick
Like static.
Then there's the song "Drive":
120dB to blast your brain
Crusin down the strip in my Chevrolet
Ten below but I got the down
Cause I want the world to hear me rockin out
I want them to get it good
I wanna wanna wanna drive drive drive
Saturday night and the streets alive
I wanna wanna wanna drive drive drive
There's more I'll show you more
This is more than just a weekend thing
Out every night to where the monsters sing
Righteous sounds pumping out of my stereo
It's Jesus and my four wheel vaudeville show
I want them to get the goods
I aint afraid of rockin it out
these super sounds are gonna knock you out
I aint afraid of turnin' it up
I wanna show my Father's love
Now, I can't speak for everybody, but I have serious problems with this song and its implications. There are such things as noise ordinances, and there are enough idiots out there blasting their radios without adding Christian teens to them. Bystanders normally can't tell the difference between Slayer and Zao, let alone when it's at 120 dB! The only thing bystanders can tell is that it's annoying and selfish.
Enough with the lyrics, let's discuss the music. Almost all of the songs on the album have a happy-bouncy Weezer-esque vibe running through them. Only one song, "RunDown Town," could be considered mellow and introspective. This is a good song though, combining a strong bass line and some nice guitar riffs with an overall mellow energy. After this song, however, the band decides not to stop and just rocks right on to the end of
the disc. The vocals are alright, although I must admit the rough nasal quality of them got to me after a while; there's not a lot of dynamic in that department either. The production quality of the album is fine, no qualms there.
Overall, this album strikes me as very generic fluff, just regular pop ear candy coupled with some poor Christian lyrics. I'd like to be able to say something off this album caught my ear, but after several listens nothing really stands out. It just sort of blends together in one long blur.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #21Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshSchizophrenia can greatly impair one's ability to live a normal life, but such abnormal ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving can make for adventurous and entertaining rock 'n' roll. Bleach's new album, Static, jerks back and forth with the spastic joy of someone with little self-control. This movement may be harmful to the spinal cord, but it sure is fun to watch. Characterized by riffing…HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernOne of the label's true modern rock bands, Bleach, has increased songwriting continuity this time around, but also created is a greater opportunity to use more varied vocal styles. All the while, the band's penchant for catchy melody is maintained. The title track uses a danceable groove to convey the desire to adhere to God just as static cling sticks one's clothing together. The record could be…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Paul Michael CarhartIn case you've found yourself with nothing but filthy rags since Bleach's first release, I've got news for you. Bleach's new album, Static, is in perfect time for you to do another load. If you liked Bleach's first album, you'll love their latest release, Static. Gone are much of the fuzzy distorted guitars hiding out in the background. Taking their place is a lot more crunch in the foreground…Similar sounding releases
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