If Motley Crue were a pop punk band, I have a feeling this is what they would sound like. On their last CD, Diesel Boy had a song that was a tribute to many of the hair bands of the 80s. But in that tribute song, I think they were serious, unlike many of today's bands who pay homage to those glam rockers. My guess is that this band has a great love of 80s Glam Rock, and it comes through as an influence in their vocals. Some may not notice it, but it's definitely something that stands out to me when I hear this band. It's also something that kind of sets them apart from every other band in this genre of pop punk. If you want to tune in on what I'm talking about, just check out the song "From the Used Bin," which, if taken sarcastically, can be rather funny. It kind of makes you think, "What happened to these bands?"
Compared to their last full-length, I actually don't like this CD as much. I mean, the production's great, the songs are rather good, but for some reason I just get bored at times. That's not to say this isn't a good pop punk album, but it just gets a little repetitive at times, like so many CDs in this genre do.
Highlights of the CD include the opening track, "Melanie Banks Where Can You Be?" "A Literary Love Song," and "Dear John," which I really thought was a cover, but they didn't have it listed as one. They also contribute a pretty good cover of the classic Dead Milkmen song, "Punk Rock Girl." To change things around a bit, they use a string section on the song "Chin Music," but that is basically just for the intro, real short.
So overall, not a bad effort from Diesel Boy, kind of what I expected from this band. If you're a fan of the band, you won't be disappointed.
B-
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradPlain melodic punk rock, that's it. It's a competent band with no hooks and songs that don't really go anywhere. The songwriting is very bland. Guitars have no sustain, gross. The big plus on the album is that they do a cover of the greatest band ever: The Dead Milkmen - automatic plus points for them (even though the cover isn't that good). But one cover song can't raise the album grade that…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by MarkIf you're into the Fat Wreck sound, you might dig this. I, however, did not. The music is technically on par with other bands of their style, but nothing really stood out about this. The vocals aren't very catchy or intense and neither is the music. They also do a cover of the Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl," in which they change a few lyrics to make it sound even more "PUNK ROCK." Bleah.... C-Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimI hate this. I've always hated this band...so don't listen to me. I guess some people may enjoy it if they like them...it sounds like everything else they've done. C-Similar sounding releases
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