Picture if you will an underworld where redneck ideals meet drag car racing, kung-fu movies, hip hop inspired funk and a comic book superhero mindset and you'll understand the groove of this record. It's essentially an unpolished version of b-sides and outakes, any of which would easily fit on their major label debut "Mega!! Kung Fu Radio". An early version of the song "Organizized" is featured on the album and doesn't really sound much different from the version on their debut other than a few samples and a bit looser percussion, the album is a bit under produced but it all add's to it's charm, "Strike The Match" is classic Powerman 5000 groove with the laid back funk to aggravated vocals yelling "Flame On", the key phrase of comic book superhero The Human Torch throughout the chorus it showcases what the band is all about, the use of congas and other percussive instruments make for enchanting melodies as vocalist Spider slowly croons and picks up his vocal speed as the bands music transposes from vibrant groove heavy funk to southern tinged slacker rock like a well oiled transmission. This CD isn't the best showcase of Powerman 5000's career but it definitely isn't the worst either. It achieves what it shoots for with Spiders southern drawl textured vocal tones and always colorful lyrics, excellent percussion, solid guitars and acutely rhythmic basslines. If you're a Powerman 5000 fan and don't have this release you should be ashamed, and if you haven't heard of the band you're definitely missing out. My only complaint's would be the release is to short and a few of the songs are inherently filler tracks clocking in at under a minute. The album is definitely a must have for all fans of Pm5k but if you're just getting into the band I would recommend their major label debut "Mega!! Kung Fu Radio" instead.
(4.5 / 5)