Search - Armchair Martian :: Who Wants to Play Bass

Great new record, a new depth...

Hunter RateVegas | Santa Barbara, CA USA | 04/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This latest Armchair Martian release showcases a new depth to Dr. Snodgrass' songwriting... Continuing in the tradition of pop/punk/rock/country fusion, Who Wants to Play Bass? is a collection of veritable sonic gems... Production on this record was a collaboration between Dr. Snodgrass and Dr. Cape, who has worked with Armchair Martian in the past. On that front, this release is an all out assault on the senses..."

Country punk fusion at it's best

Destroy Boy | www.ohboydestroy.com | 12/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Armchair Martian returns with another batch of their country meets punk blend on what is

presumably their last record. That's a shame because this is really one of the more unique punk

bands out there. Their sincere, honest country punk sound and heartfelt vocals are a powerful

mix that appeals to people like me that really can't stand country music.



This record differs the most from any of their previous albums in terms of the overall sound.

Where their first record was fast, distorted country guitar chords they've made a slow progression

to incorporate more traditional country elements that's in full flower here. Similar to their side

band Drag The River, you'll find lots of slower paced songs with acoustic guitars and traditional

country arrangements with only sprinklings of distorted guitars. This isn't totally unwelcome but it

definitely blurs the line between those two bands and, if I had to call it, I'd say this album has

more in common with Drag The River than earlier Armchair Martian albums.



There are a few faster, more familiar cuts like "Saving Anger" and "Re-Routed" that fans will latch

onto instantly but ultimately their scarcity on this record just makes you more nostalgic for the way

it was on previous releases. Still, as a band they've probably never wrote better songs than this.

Whether it's the bare bones country crooners or the richly layered punk influenced ones, their

years of straddling that line has produced a truly unique and compelling synthesis of these two

styles of music. Where you can especially here this is in the solos on this record, which are

absolutely fantastic across the board. While many times they're distorted, there's a mournful

edge to them that perfectly complements the downtrodden, down and out cowboy vibe of the

lyrics.



In the end, this is a great record but if you're looking for some higher energy material I suggest

their three previous records with the debut being the most straightforward of the bunch. Still, you

shouldn't pass on this one unless you really can't stand even a hint of country.



check out more reviews at ohboydestroy."