Album: Shakedown
Source: Break the Static
By: Tizzy
theSTART is a band that is "starting" something new with their album Shakedown!. The band has recently opened for Sugar Ray and Weezer, and is set to go out with Incubus, along with having their first single 'Gorgeous' getting all kinds of radio attention, which in my opinion is well deserved. Their sound is refreshing, new, and just something different to spin in the old cd player. theSTART features former members of Human Waste Project and Snot, but is going in a different direction now than they did in their previous bands. Featuring a female vocalist and some new wave techno type elements in their music, of course it's hard to compare them to other bands, but I'll break it down for you as best I can. The band's vocalist, Aimee Echo, has a little punk influence in her style, and at times sounds similar to Gwen from No Doubt. She has some very well written lyrics to go with her beautiful voice. Then you have ex-Snot drummer Jamie Miller on the guitar and synthesizer showing he can do it all. He adds a sci-fi, futuristic element to the bands music. His guitar riffs are punkish and well played through the entire album. The bass player Jeff Jaeger and drummer Scott Ellis make up the rhythm section. Jeff's bass lines go perfectly with the rest of the band's sound and Scott's beats complete the band's sound. As a whole the band can be described as a little Jane's Addiction, some No Doubt, and a pinch of Orgy wrapped up in a gyro that is made to perfection. The band has some very powerful tracks on this album. The first song, 'Shakedown' is my personal favorite. It just has an amazing amount of energy. The first single 'Gorgeous' is another great song that deserves all the attention it has gotten recently. If you are in the need of something new and fresh, then look no further than theSTART.
