THE AMERICAN BLACK LUNG

When a band or its representatives begin throwing around names like the MC5, BLACK FLAG, and THE STOOGES as reference points to said act's own retro-influenced sound, it damn well better be at least somewhat accurate. We're talking about trailblazers and icons of American hard rock and hardcore here, so unless a group can truly represent in the fashion of such godly artists, then you better call it like it is: a weak imitation of the originators. It is not like "Sudden Departure of Vultures" by Tucson, Arizona's THE AMERICAN BLACK LUNG does not come with a package that contains more than a few cool riffs and rockin' beats, but get real, folks, this is no "Slip it In" or "High Time".

The first important piece of information is that the music made by the THE AMERICAN BLACK LUNG is much more MC5 than BLACK FLAG, regardless of the fact that the youngsters are one of many hardcore-at-heart bands trying to rock the fuck out. It rarely works to begin with, bands like CANCER BATS that do a decent job of it aside, and "Sudden Departure of Vultures" does nothing to alter the trend.

Giving credit where it is due, "Sudden Departure of Vultures" contains a fair amount of tough rockin' goodness. The occasional killer riff and slammin' rhythm is in fact pulled out of the proverbial ass. Hell, from the general standpoint of rocking and rolling, there is little here that stinks like rotting fish.

But if making a hard rockin' tune also means making it memorable, the boys have only got it half right. I couldn't tell you a single song that stuck with me. Have some hooks fer chrissakes! I take that back, there is one tune with a memorable chorus and smashing stop-start groove. Oh yeah; it's a…wait for it…cover of the MC5's "Call Me Animal". Stomping and stuttering and switching gears into some righteously hot rockin' parts does not equate to an album for the ages. Yes, I've retained a point for the band's knack for busting out some decent riffs and rhythms; bring some songs next time though.