Dogfight Sox - Lunatic Fairytales

There are stoopid skills here.

"Incarnation", "Transmigration" and "Decarnation" are excellent instrumentals. They exemplify a traditional sense of musicality while using an electronic sonic palette. Musicianship, production and composition are all quite accomplished. Bravo muthafukkers, bravo.

There are plenty of styles to be found jammed into these nine short songs. They've even included a guitar-driven, power-chord-laden, screaming-solo ballad bit. And just when you think you've somehow switched to a Night Ranger disc, it quickly and mercifully decays into silliness. Actually, much of this disc decays into silliness, as witnessed by the Creedence Clearwater Revival homage "Run Through the Jungle" and the all-over pattern of vocals.

Ahhh, the vocals.

The vocals are stylistically schizophrenic: death metal growl, urban swagger, post punk PIL wail, artsy fartsy alt rap, pseudo sultry siren, disco era ELO vocoder, auto-tuned glissandos. You name it they tried it. And herein resides the main weakness of the release. I found myself getting pumped by the intros of songs like "Heavy Rain" or "Candy" only to quickly detumesce when the vox began.

Some may appreciate the nearly over the top goofiness ala Zappa or Mindless Self Indulgence (albeit a somewhat medicated MSI), but to me, it just mars an amazing display of talent.

It seems too easy to say that they lack direction, but, I can't get over the feeling that such is the case. One shouldn't listen to a release and be able to identify influences so readily. They are too eccentrically eclectic.

Regardless, this band is worth a listen. They are a refreshing contrast to the homogenous offerings given to us by so many other acts. Go for it. Yer bound to find something you like. Jun 13 2012