Half Japanese
"Hot" CD (Safe House)
This New Hampshire band has given birth to something like fifteen albums, either as Half Japanese or through side projects. Little wonder why. This hard-driving, hardcorish band is full of ideas. Like the insanely swirling lyrics, squalling slides, frequent guitar and vocal wailings that, even in a very reedy mix, come together very powerfully. Add in the fact that vocalist, Jad Fair, always has this tasty irony to his voice. A very satisfying, possibly even great album. (PHILIP)