I hope I'm not being too optimistic by predicting that CKY is the future of mainstream rock. Already generating big buzz because of - and don't let this prompt you to click to another review - exposure on MTV's inane "Jackass" series, CKY play raw and heavy yet insanely catchy metal that flirts with hardcore, death metal, post-grunge, melodic hard rock, power punk and thrash while still managing to piss all over those genres. And here's the kicker: These guys are on a major label (Island Records).
CKY (reportedly, the initials stand for "Camp Kill Yourself," a fictional horror movie the amateur videomakers created) define the essence of a do-it-yourself band, managing to sell 100,000 copies of their independently released first CD, Volume I, via balls-to-the-wall self-promotion. They've even created the CKY Alliance, composed of band members and fans who are attempting to confront music-industry leaders and reform the biz. Translation: Radio and MTV are shit, so we're gonna take back the creativity they've sucked from modern music - and fuck you if you don't like it!
That attitude permeates Infiltrate*Destroy*Rebuild, which was produced and mixed by guitarist Chad I. Ginsburg and recorded on CKY's terms without, the band claims, any input from Island execs. Wait a minute - isn't this 2002, an era when labels actually groom bands for success? Kudos to Island for allowing these four Pennsylvania lads to play whatever the hell they want, singing irresistible songs like "Escape from Hellview," "Flesh Into Gear," "Sink Into the Underground," "Attached At the Hip," "Inhuman Creation Station" and "Sporadic Movement." CKY even offer up a ballad with the surprisingly heartfelt closer, "Close Yet Far."
In short, these songs simply kicked my ass and left me begging for more …
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