Junk Farm: Didn't Come To Dance

The German band Junk Farm formed in 2001. Didn't Come To Dance is the follow up to their second album Ugly Little Thing, both released on the Quebec label Unicorn Digital. Although I have not heard their second release, from what I have read their new album is not a great departure, although the melodies may be a little stronger here. I have listened to this album a few times and can say this is an extremely melodic record.

This three piece 'power rock trio', as they have been referred to, consists of Benjamin Schippritt (guitars, vocals), Berthold Fehmer (organ, keyboards) and Michael Sticken (drums, percussion). The music on Didn't Come To Dance is chalk full of chugging guitar riffs, ripping guitar solos, stellar organ sounds and the steady drumming of Sticken keeping it all together. If you think that sounds heavy, you would be right but there is plenty of space for quieter moments and some of the melodies here will have you shuffling your feet and tapping your toes. These guys must have wrote the book on 'stick in your head' melodies. The music is hard to categorize as it touches on a few different styles like progressive metal ala Dream Theater, but mainly focuses on heavy melodic rock and funk with more than a slight nod to progressive rock. King's X came to mind while listening to many of these songs.

The band is as tight as can be, especially when the metal riffs do little twists and turns adding a progressive edge like in the heavy prog/funk of "10 Out Of 1" where ripping guitar solos and heavy riffs are the order of the day.

Check out the progressive metal of "Didn't Come To Dance" with its gritty vocals, catchy chorus, pounding rhythms and subtle organ rounding out the sound or the heavy funky grooves of "Still Not Dead" that has a strong King's X flavour. There is a strong fusion element in the instrumental "Music Police" where interesting drum patterns and tight guitar solos has the band at their progressive best.

The lyrics are also worth mentioning as they are as quirky as the band's music. Amongst the metallic riffs and melodic Hammond of "Chickbag" Schippritt sings:

"She's haunted by a curse
Always dreams about her purse
She never comes to rest
Which one fits the best?
She is full of stress
Which one enhances her dress?
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Who's got the tinniest of `em all?"

Besides purses, the band touches on being a stalker, the advantage of love songs and the benefit of talking to yourself. Junk Farm does not take themselves too seriously but these guys have some serious talent and are another pleasant surprise of 2009.

If you like heavy progressive rock done with a large helping of metal riffs, hooks and funky grooves you need to hear Junk Farm's latest. Seriously recommended for the heavy progger in all of us.

Track Listing:
1. Didn't Come To Dance
2. Still Not Dead
3. 10 Out Of 1
4. Chickbag
5. Stalker
6. Lost By A Love Song
7. Where Are We Going To
8. Eurovision Song - Incest
9. Music Police
10. Sweet & Sour
11. Take It Off
12. Talk To Yourself
13. Vacation Time

Added: December 15th 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2170
Language: english

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