REVIEW: Sponge, Rotting Pinata (Chaos/Columbia)

-Linda Scott

Sponge is a tightly knit alternative rock band from the Motor City, Detroit, consisting of Vinnie (uses no last name) on vocals, brothers Mike and Tim Cross on guitar and bass, Joey Mazzala on guitar and Jimmy Paluzzi on drums. All music is written by the band with Vinnie writing the lyrics. Formerly called Loudhouse, and signed/dropped by Virgin, the band was picked up by Chaos/Columbia. Rotting Pinata is their first on the new label. The new label is paying them good attention. The album is very professional - from the striking graphics of the cd booklet to the mix by Tim Palmer (Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Tears For Fears). This spring they opened for Live, and they are currently touring clubs after two aborted tours (with the Manic Street Preachers and the Cult), and they are signed for Lollapalooza.

Sponge is on the way up with a sound reminiscent of Midnight Oil, Pearl Jam and even Aerosmith. Rotting Pinata's ten tracks range from the light pop "Molly" which became the second single off the album to the fast-paced rocking title track. What lies between are tempos creating a darker, downbeat feel. Rotting Pinata is an album whose lyrics reinforce the disquieting mood of much of the music. The album title sets the mood - its inspiration was Dr. Jack Kevorkian and the right to die issue. Tracks "Giants" and "Neenah Menasha" sound like dirges while Drownin' tells of despair. The music keeps the album from sliding into clinical depression. Lyricist Vinnie says the album reflects his life during a transitional, down period. Perhaps the new album's success especially that of the monster hit "Plowed", will cheer him up.

Sponge is an alternative rock band to watch. Commitment to the band and music have made the band pull together to get ahead. Vinnie says they work on their music and the set on the road all the time because there is nothing else to do. Instead of sinking into the road's excesses, Sponge is putting its energy into the next step. The band's devotion show as they are warriors rather than weekend musicians. With this focus, Rotting Pinata, and the exposure from the tour and Lollapalooza, Sponge looks like a sure thing. Get yours now!