(Epic)
This is the kind of stuff I want to hear topping the charts. Melodic, yet heavy, hard rock. You know, the stuff that radio and video stations don't play. I'm talking specifically about Handsome, a New York-based hard rock quintet who've just released their debut album for Epic.
I've been wondering what's been going on in New York for a while, because most of the mainstream stuff has come out of the West Coast. Well, if this is only one band, I encourage record companies to sign more East Coast bands and get us some more good music!
Handsome's self-titled debut is a true work of art. I'm sure both metal and alternative fans will like this. The album has 12 tracks and was produced by the band along with Terry Date. Some of the more outstanding tracks are first single/video "Needles" (watch for that video soon), "Dim The Lights", "Waiting", and "Swimming".
Along with all the great music on the CD, there is an added bonus: an interactive CD-ROM section. The interactive portion lets you check out video interviews with the band, read lyrics as you listen to the CD tracks, and hear the b-side "Closer".
All in all, Handsome's debut CD is a great offering from a great new band, who, I expect, you'll be hearing more from in the future. So, if you're sick of today's Top 40 music and want an alternative to alternative, check it out.
