Are you as blattered as these guys? (Blattered)

Member Name: rclens

Product:	Blattered
Date:	26/04/01 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Not bad sound

Disadvantages: Some weak links

'Blattered' is a 25 track compilation of "bad-ass rock 'n' roll" from the Scottish record label Twenty Stone Blatt. It provides the "balls and attitude" proclaimed on its front cover by kicking off with a fiery song by Jakkpot and then continues to provide a similar degree of monstrous rock 'n' roll throughout

The range of artists included on this compilation provides an excellent insight into Twenty Stone Blatt, and while it is perhaps unfortunate that this record follows the general compilation rule of not being appealing throughout, there is enough here for most people who like this kind of music to find something that they will enjoy. While remaining within the barriers of rock 'n' roll, a wide range of musical styles can be heard, from pop-punk to rock n' roll in both its truest and most recent forms. Many of the bands that appear on this compilation have also done themselves justice by producing tracks that live up to the nature of the compilation, and, if all this is not enough, there are also nine previously unreleased and new songs which give the listener an indication of the sort of material the bands are working on now

Jakkpot, who hail from Baltimore in the United States, supply an aggressive and energetic punk sound with their contribution 'Hit or Miss'. It is vibrant in every way. About its members' lives growing up in a dangerous city, there is strong guitar and drum work and the lead singer has a magnetic, imposing voice.

Of all the 23 artists on the CD, Glaswegian pop-punkers Nerve have produced what I believe to be the pinnacle of the collection. Their track 'S.O.S' develops their alternative style and shows them off to be the non-American Green Day. From last year's' 'Swimming With Sharks' EP, it is a wonderful track that, while lyrically calling out for help, equally calls out to be listened to.

Nutrajet are also a good
addition to the line-up . This Florida based band are in fact a duo, but seep with all the energy and power of a full scale group and, as a result, have a unique edge. 'Up With The Lovely', their contribution, which comes from their debut album 'Nutrajet',is a delight to listen to and has a first-rate sound.

The most amusing song on the sampler is 'Talk Dirty To Me' by The Bulemics, which begins with a thirty second phone sex conversation and then becomes a garage punk number which is backed by tuneful guitars.

The remaining 19 bands all also offer similar quality material, but to pick any particular song out would be difficult. Dog Toffee, whose name appears quite regularly in the music press, are perhaps the best known of the remaining bands. 'Blattered' is a superb sampler CD, and comes at an excellent price. There are, undoubtedly, areas of it that fail to excite, but overall it does not disappoint and it is very much worth its money.

Summary: