"don't tell me what to do"
The Carlsonics have produced one hell of a record with their debut on Arena Rock. It is dirty rock the way it should be played; you can literally feel the contempt they have for all the other crap that is being promoted as rock today— and they have plenty of reason to feel that way. This CD is better than most "mainstream rock" being shoved down our throats.
The band show influences ranging from blues to old-school rock, old-school punk, old-school alternative, surf-rock, the Kinks, the Who, and the Violent Femmes— and arguably taking cues from the early Stones as well. This CD is what is meant by the term "rock band," and the underlying cohesion of rebellion and doing-it-yourself is what unites all these influences and songs into a fine CD.
From the pummeling of "The Leisure Class," with its grinding guitars and accusations of "You try to complicate me," to the crescendo-ing highs and mayhem of "Done In," to the nineties-alternative "Tonight We Dine on Fumes," to the nasty bass-line and surf-rock tilt of "Courage," to the incredibly romp-friendly sing-along "Senator Trudge and the Clap Division," to the pounding Van Halen–like push of "Malaria Drive Through," The Carlsonics have captured a sound that has been missing lately— swagger.
Each song is refreshing and not pre-packaged. It’s obvious these guys just want to make loud, good music; in fact, it feels like they have to get these songs out or the music will burn a hole right through them. This CD is about release. It’s so good to hear electricity again, to hear passion— and no pretension. Rock doesn’t have to be pretty— and The Carlsonics sure don’t make pretty songs— but their album is a sight to behold.