Adriangale - Crunch

The biggest surprise of 2004 is not the fact that Adriangale have been resurrected and recorded an album in secret, but the fact that this totally blows both previous albums right out of the water and then some. In fact, this is not only the band's best ever release, but the best ever release from Kivel Records as a whole and is a definite contender for album of the year. Previously content to walk in the shadow of Harem Scarem, Adriangale's main man Vic Rivera has really pulled one out of the bag. This release is light years ahead of Feel The Fire and Re:Programed for maturity of songwriting, quality of production and the performances delivered. This is a better record in every single department. And credit must also go to powerful new guitarist Scott Millar, replacing Eddie Campbell, who abandoned the band for a solo career on another label and hasn't been heard from since. For perhaps the first time, Adriangale have their own style. In no way have the guys abandoned their trademark sound, but they have built on that and have added a new twist that will define them as a band. Crunch is a more technical record ? it's a more intricate record and it's definitely a more complete record. This isn't as straight forward as previous efforts and features a darker and moodier vibe, not to mention a tougher, in your face guitar sound. Add to that a powerhouse production and added layers of everything else and you get an album that really will see the band hailed alongside the likes of better know artists. The attitude and sound are now closer to Danger Danger (4 The Hard Way) and Van Hagar than Harem Scarem and it suits the guys 100%.

I've always felt Adriangale were a great band, but something was missing ? especially production wise. The songs were not supported by the sound quality they needed. That too has been corrected here ? big time. Even better songs are now fully supported with a full beefy sound that rivals major releases for quality.