Eve 6 has been one of my favorite bands since I discovered them on MTV (yes, they've been around since 1995, and MTV still played music). Their albums Eve 6 (1998) and Horrorscope (2000) still get regular plays by me, the latter being one of my favorite and most played albums front to back. I was even a fan of 2003's It's All in Your Head, even though there were more slow songs. Lackluster sales led them to be dropped by their label in 2004. They reunited a few years later, but didn't put out new music until 2012's Speak in Code. I was finally able to catch them on this tour and they still sounded great. The album was my least favorite, however, as they went in a decidedly more dance-pop direction compared to their previous alt-punk leanings.
Just this week they dropped the Grim Value EP. The first track "Black Nova" has a dance groove to it, but also fuzzy distorted guitar and a deep echo in the vocals reminiscent of a garage band. Track 2, "I Wanna Bite Your Face" sounds even more like the garage band stylings of the Strokes. The song is carried by a driving bass line, steady drum beat, and classic tongue-in-cheek lyrics by Max Collins. Track 3 has almost the same beat, but the guitar parts are faster tempo, and Max's vocals go up high as he sings "Can We Combine." Track 4 has a high pitch guitar riff and low driving bass to back the most punk rock song of the EP, complete with comical lyrics of an infatuation with the "Angel of the Supermarket." The fifth and final track, "Good For You" is more straightforward rock reminiscent of something from early Weezer. In my opinion, this EP shows that Eve 6 is alive and well. I would recommend checking it out, and I hope this is a sign of more good things to come from this band.
Crobot just released their new EP entitled Rat Child. I have seen them live once, opening for Chevelle, and own their three LPs Something Supernatural (2014), Welcome to Fat City (2016), and Motherbrain (2019). If you are not familiar with them, Crobot comes out of Pennsylvania, but they sound like Southern-hard-stoner rock. Their debut album is particularly amazing top to bottom, and is my #4 album of the previous decade. The other two have several great tracks as well. The new EP begins with current single, "Mountain" featuring Frank Bello (Anthrax) on bass. It has typical Crobot style with sick rhythms, headbanging riffs, and soaring vocals. The video for Mountain is trippy and fun with a mix of live action and animated demons, castles, skulls, and more. The second track doesn't hold back either. We get even heavier riffage and guest vocals from Howard Jones (Light the Torch; ex. Killswitch Engage). The video also makes me feel like I'm on mushrooms. The third song is a ballad called "Everyone Dies" featuring Stix Zadinia (Steel Panther). It is an easy one to sing along to. The fourth and final track is the eponymous "Rat Child." This one has the dirtiest grooves of the bunch and a slick guitar solo enough to satisfy, but leave the listener wanting more.
I would have preferred another full length album from these guys, but they show no signs of stopping anytime soon. This summer they are touring the midwest, but hopefully they come back east soon. In the meantime, I might try their barbecue rub. Check out merchandise and tour information at https://crobotband.com/
