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Alukard: One Shot

Alternative Rock

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Labeless Records
www.myspace.com/305rock
www.alukard.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  03.29.2010

Be the time my hard rock and heavy metal friends and readers get to the end of this review they'll think I gone off the deep end. Why? Because South Florida indie sensation Alukard, on their debut One Shot, plays alternative rock with a heavy hip-hop/urban presence and, gasp, I liked it. Now I'm not ready to get some dumbass broad brim cap and slide it sideways or wear some baggie shorts hanging off my ass and show some crack. No way. But I like these guys. Fundamentally, here are several good reasons.

First, One Shot has a solid punk foundation, and I dig punk rock. Two, whenever Alukard infuses their urban sound into songs, it sounds terrific demonstrating their creativity and sound musicianship. Sure, I still dislike the hip-hop/rap/rhyme thing, but the punk rock and roll makes it truly entertaining. The 5th, 44 Kaliber Love Letter, and Conversion, even if it rips of Soft Cell's Tainted, love are great examples. Finally, there are the moments that defy this very urban punk theme. Drifter has a massive melodic alt, sometimes prog, rock sound with amazing vocals and fantastic guitar work. Give Into Miss Take has a similar presence being more heavier rock over a strong groove bass line. From here to the end Alukard pushes the urban motif under this more groove-based melodic punk rock, with Just Maybe, a genuine alt ballad, the real show stopper.

Overall, it's all rather impressive and strangely addicting, (even for hard rock and heavy metal hero). Alukard's One Shot is a strong debut of original punk/urban/alt rock material from a very talented group of creative musicians.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Alukard's One Shot is a strong debut of original punk/urban/alt rock material from a very talented group of creative musicians.

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