Search - Bullets & Octane :: In the Mouth of the Young

I'm glad someone remembers how to ROCK!

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 12/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Recently the local classic rock radio station here in Atlanta changed its format so that it now only plays modern rock, which essentially means an endless loop of Disturbed, Korn, Nickelback, and Linkin Park. What exactly does this have to do with Bullets and Octane's latest album In the Mouth of the Young? Just this: if I have a radio station that is supposed to be dedicated to playing new "rock", why in the hell do I have to keep hunting on my own for bands that actually ROCK?



I'm mainly a metal guy, but there are times when only a good straightforward hard rock album will do. I don't want emo or nu-metal or whatever-core. I want loud, fast, heavy ROCK. I want bands like Brand New Sin, Fireball Ministry, Black Stone Cherry, the Quill, and this band, Bullets and Octane. I took a chance on this album at my local used CD store based largely on the album cover, which has to be the coolest cover in just about forever. In the Mouth of the Young hits you like a heart attack from the very first notes of "Going Blind" and never lets up until the album is over. To my ears, Bullets and Octane sounds like Social Distortion meets Motorhead meets a nail-spiked baseball bat. For all the speed and aggression, there is still that underlying sense of melody that keeps you engaged and able to sing (yell) along with the songs.



This is good stuff, people. It's the kind of no-nonsense ROCK that you just can't seem to find these days. This is the kind of real ROCK that modern rock radio should be playing, but instead will completely ignore unless someone starts rapping over the album or whining about how g*ddamn melancholy they are.

"

Plain And Simple: It Rocks.

Andrew Estes | Maine | 10/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bullets And Octane may not be the most original band to come out this decade, but with "In The Mouth Of The Young" (the band's second album), there is a band on display who knows how to rock like the old school. It's rough around the edges, it's abrasive, loud and in your face. Together with Helmet mainman, Paige Hamilton, working as producer, these guys have no doubt delivered the effort to take them to the next level, or at least get a few heads turning.



Sounds Like: A happy medium between Papa Roach and Velvet Revolver.



The Good:

- The album breezes by, as each track flows into the next perfectly. It's an easy and fun listen.

- Hamilton's influence is evident, but luckily he doesn't go for the completely lo-fi sound he gave the latest Helmet CD.

- The musicianship is something to marvel at, somewhat resembling old-school Guns N' Roses.



The Bad:

- The vocals leave a bit to be desired at times. Frontman Gene Louis could use a little more range.



Hits: "Bathroom Floor," "Cancer California" and "Going Blind."



Future: Who knows. I mean, these guys deserve to get noticed, but it seems like any band who tries out a retro sound and does it justice gets ignored in favor of the kind of alternative/indie garbage that's been clogging the music scene for five years strong.



Personally: I'd love for this album to take off. These are the kinds of songs you wouldn't mind hearing on the radio or on TV a million times. There's something here every rock fan can appreciate. Whether you grew up on Motley Crue or Blink 182, you'll dig Bullets And Octane.



Best Listened To When: You're breast-feeding."

Without Bullets and Octane, what's left to sin for?

Persephone | Colonial Heights, Virginia United States | 11/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay. I have a little confession for everyone. I'm not a long-time fan of the band... hell, I only heard about them a couple of days before Family Values Tour rolled into Washington D.C. because I was offered a ticket to see one of my all-time favorite bands, Dir en grey. And actually, the members of Dir en grey are best friends with Bullets and Octane so I was willing to give them a listen, although I was doubtful of 3/4ths of the bands at FVT, given that their headliners were KoRn and Deftones. Which I dislike both of them, except for the fact that Jonathan Davis actually recognized true talent with Dir en grey and invited them on. Anyway. I was disillusioned already at the horrible performance of Walls of Jericho and was contemplating leaving the Pavillion until Dir en grey hit the stage until I heard the opening riffs of "Save Me Sorrow." And I sat straight up in my seat in awe. They were fantastic. They sounded so together and professional, yet so raw and intense. I fell in love instantly. Unfortunately, I didn't get to meet them that day (because I spent the money to meet Dir en grey) but they stuck in my mind. My boyfriend then bought me the album and I fell in love with every song on the album. They're raw, gritty, yet melodic and polished. You know that they have been playing together for a while with the sync they have together. I'm not going to sit here and detail critique the album for you... because that'll ruin the greatness of it. But take it from someone who tends to be a music elitist and turns her nose up at many bands and artists... and is a classical musician herself... if I sat straight up in my seat and wanted to buy their album instantly, they're definitely worth a listen at least."