// ALBUM REVIEWS


Album: The Death Via Satellite Ep
Source: Punk Review
By: Johnny

Rating: PPP1/2

For the metalheads out there, many of you will recall a little Los Angeles-based band called Human Waste Project who were fronted by a rather delectable lady by the name of Aimee Echo. While the band had aspirations of being the new Machine Head, Aimee had aspirations of being the new Gwen Stefani (allbeit a very metal Gwen Stefani!). Unfortunately however, due to record company pressures, the group imploded in 1998 - more or less a year after realising their rather splendid debut album 'E-Lux'. But out of the ashes of one band sprung up two more: Professional Murder Music, and Aimee's very own Hero (who later evolved into theSTART).

A million miles away from HWP's harsh, metal edge Aimee's new found pop rock side attracted interest from label's far and wide, and in 2000 the band signed to US major label Geffen. Their debut album 'Shakedown!' a followed year later, but unfortunately for Aimee and Co. Geffen's restructuring plans saw theSTART out on their collective ear. Undeterred, the band persevered and, after a sold out UK tour (which they funded entirely themselves), they recently inked a deal with Offspring mainman Dexter Holland's Nitro Records imprint.

Right, now that we're all up to date let's get down to the review: 'Death Via Satellite' is a six track mini-album and is basically an updated version of theSTART's limited edition, self-titled EP which they sold on their UK tour last year. The band themselves make quirky, electro pop rock that bridges the gap between Garbage and No Doubt. Opener and title track 'Death Via Satellite' is the perfect example of this, effortlessly bounding along with a slick, understated groove, with Aimee's little girl lost vocals sounding pretty much like Gwen Stefani, but this time around a much more accomplished than Gwen herself, with better range and intonation. 'Big Shot' is another excellent track, capturing the zeitgeist of the Dancehall Crashers and throwing it in the blender with '80s new romantic electronics and quirky '90s Britpop bounce. Closer 'Trinity' however is a much more sombre affair, recalling Brit goths Depeche Mode and proving that theSTART are far from being a one trick pony.

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