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Reviews: 98lb Weakling ~ Takedown
Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2004 @ 15:25:10 PST
Topic: Reviews
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Artist: 98lb Weakling
CD:Takedown
Home: Los Angeles, California
Style: Alternative
Quote: "Carefully crafted LA pop that you'll want to listen to while watching the Paris Hilton sex tape."
By K.B. Reidenbach
These days when someone mentions the state of California, any East Coaster, like myself, immediately thinks of Arnold, The Hiltons, and Hollywood. However, deeply mixed among California’s seemingly twisted politics and the well-known ranch that has produced the world’s most famous pedophile, there is a pretty damn good music scene. LA’s 98lb Weakling is a shining example of the musical excellence that can come out of the City of Angels.
The quartet originally came together in New York City but somehow separately migrated to LA. After brief stints under different monikers, the members of the band went back to their roots to reform a rejuvenated 98lb Weakling. Seeking that elusive brass ring that every band dreams of, the group has released a 5-track EP titled Takedown containing songs that will be included on a full-length CD that should be full of catchy pop songs and bring promise to band who is ready for it all.
The Takedown EP begins with the extremely upbeat “Suffocate Me” which features a highly energetic drum performance and a chorus that screams Matthew Sweet. Following the yearning ballad “Even Though” was my personal favorite track “I Like to Watch”. The song begins with a driving and almost horny sounding guitar riff, which is complimented nicely by its equally naughty chorus “I like to watch when my baby takes off her clothes”.
All dirtiness aside, my favorite part of the tune is the cello-laden bridge, which takes me back to the days of my youth when Nirvana’s In Utero ruled my CD player. “Please” is a song that I could see being played throughout the soundtrack of a Meg Ryan romantic comedy. Can you picture a scene in which Ryan is crying on her bed, longing for that forbidden love? Insert the song “Please”, and the scene is complete.
According to 98lb Weakling lead singer Eric, “We tried to capture the spirit and intensity of our live show on the album.” After giving Takedown a few spins, I would say they’ve succeeded in giving their fans a highly energetic representation of their carefully crafted pop music. If it’s okay with the band, I hope I can relieve some of my voyeuristic temptations and come watch their girlfriends take their clothes off sometime. If I have to settle for going to see a 98lb Weakling live performance, however, I can deal with that too.
http://www.98lbweakling.com
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