REVIEW: Voice of Addiction - Re-evolution

Illinois band Voice of Addiction has encapsulated energy, poeticism and overall their clear and evident message to the masses with their album Re-evolution. This trio is made up of post-90s punk/ska poster children with a lot to say.

Broken Bones and Broken Homes is the opening track on Re-evolution. Its punk rhythms and highly energetic vocals give this song a Clash meets Sublime kind of vibe.

Got Your Number, the second track, is once again jam-packed with energy - this time Voice of Addiction throws in some 80s hair-metal guitar and dissonant harmonies.

The Walls is a highly politically-charged tune detailing corporate greed, taxes and government cover-ups. This song shouts in the face of government and process.

Right Now continues with a message of plastic buildings and the turmoils of living in a society spoon-fed by mass media and controlled by money.

Grease the Wheel is a much more laid back song. Kind of a breath of fresh air after such emotionally abundant tracks that came before. With a reggae back beat, this tune has a “why can’t we all just get along” message.

The final track, Martyr, polishes off this album with another reggae track that evolves into a dark rock tune and then back again.

At first listen, you wouldn’t expect Voice of Addiction to have such a "tree-hugger" message, but they do - and they pull it off great. For all you hippies out there who just can’t stand jam bands, check out Voice of Addiction and their album Re-evolution.

4 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Voice of Addiction at www.voiceofaddiction.com

REVIEW: Indofin - Self-Titled

Austin, TX indie rock/reggae band Indofin plundered their way into the Austin music scene in 2005 with their debut self-titled album, also referred to as The Orange Album. These guys go one step beyond parental advisory stickers giving listeners the first track of their album, Disclaimer. And quite appropriate the disclaimer is.

In the familiar style of Sublime, Indofin does a great job of producing songs that seem to come from extraordinary circumstances in life such as, but certainly not limited to, run-ins with law enforcement.

Combining reggae, hip-hop, rock, ska and a little punk styles, Indofin exhibits a unique style and perspective on popular music. Indofin’s songs are pretty complex in structure as well. On several tracks, the songs have tempo changes and instrumental sections that add depth to the album and show the band’s overall talent. They even throw some Cheech and Chong references and samples in with reggae rhythms and clever rhymes that will stick in your head all day.

This album is, no doubt, a feel good album. Upbeat songs about reckless actions can give a freeing feeling. Similar in overall vibe to Sublime’s 40oz to Freedom, this is a great album for the center of a party or just kicking back and letting your mind wander. These guys have got the attitude and skills to go far.

3.5 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Indofin at www.indofinmusic.com