Demo Den

SCAPEGOAT: Just So You Know EP - Metal and grunge have been in decline during the last decade.

That's why it's refreshing to hear a band like Scapegoat, who have genuine energy and are building on their influences rather than carbon-copying them.

Their blend of fast riffing, minor key guitar parts and tough drumming will appeal to few outside the world of rock. But even the toughest critic of noisy rock would find it hard to dispute that this four-track CD contains discernible tunes, considered vocals and quality musicianship. Opening song Breathing has a tough, Reef-like persistence with a rasping vocal. There's a simplistic appeal to second track Sad Sack, another fast-moving number. The Seattle influence is clear on the third tune Just So You Know, where the vocals owe more than a nod to the work of Nirvana. The rolling bassline which opens final track Phobiodourless reeks of heavy metal and is soon doubled up by a strong guitar attack. Skilled bands like Scapegoat should help us discover how much mileage is left in grunge and metal.

PAUL BARRY

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.