Is their anything more tasty than good quality music with a DIY punk attitude? I don't think so. "New Rock" radio stations are starting to get the idea, but they're still stuck on pop bands with a bit of punk. The truth is that a lot of people are looking for a little more substance and strength. If you agree, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and head directly to Drip. They take a little power from Fugazi, a smidgen of intensity from Tool, add a slight whiff of playfulness from Violent Femmes and mix it an oddly original concoction called Drip.
Hailing from Toccoa, Georgia, this young group oozes all of the signs of greatness. Lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Andy LeMaster and drummer and back-up vocalist Clay Leverett have been together since junior high school and put out a few records on their own as The Remedy. Now that they've reached their 20's, LeMaster and Leverett have added bassist Casey Scott and formed Drip. Much like the under appreciated Redd Kross, Drip has obviously had a head start on their music by starting young, and they successfully merge the angst of youth with incredible sonic force.
LeMaster sings with an angry, powerful voice that grates and pummels just like any good punk, but, just wait, there's more. Sometimes he backs off into a frailed whisper that shakes and shimmies. Then, just like a beat down Hulk Hogan getting ready to recover and body slam Andre the Giant, LeMaster surges with life and lays out the crunching onslaught you've been waiting for. When they quit giving pile drivers, Drip reminds me of a punk version of the Violent Femmes, and LeMaster sings with a tortured, whiny voice that exposes a smarmy twang and sad irony.
But it isn't just LeMaster's vocals that make Drip a great little band. The music behind his voice is solid. Drip doesn't follow the punk tradition of copping out with fast chords and noisy drums to hide a lack of music ability and songwriting skills. Instead, Drip has the skills to speed up and slow down and launch off again without a pause. Scott never misses a beat on bass, and LeMaster's guitar is playful and powerful.
However, the anchor of the band has to be Leverett. While it's crucial to have great songs and vocals, a band of this type is never great unless it has a driving rhythm. Leverett is, thankfully, an incredible drummer. Like Led Zeppelin's John Bohnam or Nirvana's Dave Grohl, Leverett takes Drip to a higher level and makes complicated rhythms fit seamlessly with even the simplest songs. The fact that he adds back-up vocals makes his contribution to Drip even more valuable.
Now, unless you have a damn fine radio station, you probably won't get a chance to hear Drip's No More Talkin'. If you do, call and request to hear any song on the album. "Wilt", "Chopped", and "Enemy" are good places to start for the general public. Fans of Uncle Tupelo's heavier songs should also ask for "The Cradle". If you're in a hostile radio environment, then go ahead and contact Ghostmeat Records directly. Those who worship Fugazi's Dischord label should get acquainted with Drip and Ghostmeat Records. It will be worth your while. Mail order from the label is cheap, they offer many compilations of southeastern U.S. bands, and their catalog is available by e-mail or SASE.
To reach Ghostmeat Records and Drip, write to Russ Hallauer by e-mail at RLHallauer@aol.com or by snail mail at P.O. Box 54693, Atlanta, GA 30308
