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Read the Frank Pino
Jr. interview
What's the 4-1-1?
I've done this once before, so I'm trying it
again. This release is a basically a re-do, so I'm combining the original
review and adding
what's new. New material will be in white. Debut release for
the Massachusetts based melodic rock band (again).
Actually, the newly self-titled release by Waltham
is a re-recording and repackaging of 2003's Permission to Build. This
time it combines
that release with their 2004 DVD Permission to Build, and their on
a bigger label.
Genre
Melodic rock / hard rock / rock 'n roll
The Good
Waltham has often been compared to Rick Springfield. Not just musically,
but because they aren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves.
That becomes obvious on the opening track "So Lonely". Steered
by an infectious riffs, hooks, and licks, vocalist Frank Pino Jr. regrets
that he gave up his girlfriend and really wants to tell her how he feels. "All
I Want is You" is full of high energy and heavy guitar muting riffs.
It's another bad break-up here, but he's determined to get her back. On
one of the four songs named for women, "Cheryl" is about as close
as Waltham can get to Rick Springfield. The song writing and structure
is so memorable that I still can't get it out of my head.
By the time "Hopeless" comes around Frank has decided to move
on from the past and try to tart a new relationship, only to become a bumbling
goof trying to say the right things. I think all men can relate to this feeling.
There's some great reverb on "Back to You". This song could easily
be the theme to an eighties romantic comedy. What guy hasn't uttered"Hook
Me Up (With Your Friend)", which is not included
in the new disc. Driving
chugga-chugga riffs are prevalent on "Maria Simeone". Frank is
practically pleading to her with his powerful and enthusiastic delivery. "Say
It Again" is
an enjoyable power ballad that mixes single note guitar picking with fuzzy
guitar in the
background. It comes complete with a great harmonious guitar solo. This
track is also missing from the new disc, but it can be heard on the DVD portion
of the release.
The track listing on the re-release has been changed
around and four songs that were on Permission to Build; "Hook
Me Up", "Laura", "Say It Again", and "Feeling It" have been replace with
four new ones. "Joanne" adds to Waltham's list of ex-girlfriends. It's
a driving track with lots of chugga-chugga riffing and a melodic chorus.
The questions asked on "Call Me Back" is whether he cheated or
didn't cheat out on the road. The chorus may be simple, but that's what
makes it memorable.
The chord changes, riffs, licks, and vocal changes of "You Gotta Let Me
In" are very indicative of 80's pop-rock. "Be With Me" is a good tune,
I just can't think of anything to say about it.
The DVD contains behind-the-scene footage of the band
at rehersals, on the road, and just anywhere they had a camcorder. There
are also a couple of
music videos. I really enjoyed the video for "So Lonely" because
not only do you get a funny video, you get to see some hilarious outtakes.
Pay attention
you non-Bostonians, Waltham give you the definitions to the special languarge
we use around here during their sidebars. The DVD gives you great insight
to how much the
band love doing what they do, and how well they get along with one another.
There's also a hidden audio track titled "Emily" (big surprise).
The Bad
The fact that you don't have it! I'm sticking with this statement.
The Verdict
Wow! This CD blew me away. It's loaded with dynamic rhythms and melodies,
the songs are catchy and instantly memorable, and the vocals are smooth
and melodic. Song structure is perfect: intro riff, verse, chorus, solo,
repeat. They may be compared to Rick Springfield a lot, but Waltham clearly
stands on their own.
I'm not a big fan of re-recorded material, but it's
only been a couple of years, so I'll let it slide. The music still blows
me away. After being reacquainted with "Cheryl"
and "So Lonely", I can't get them out of my head once again. The
new songs are just as infectious. The DVD is hilarious and entertaining and
I'm glad
they decided to add it. If
you
grew
up in the
eighties and early nineties, I PROMISE you, Waltham is the band for you.
Did you know?
Waltham used to be known as Dirty Larry. Frontman Frank Pino Jr. and his
brother own Pino Brothers Ink tattoo parlor in Boston, MA.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne |
WALTHAM
