David Cooke | Berkeley, CA United States | 11/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I see a lot of comparisons to Phish, and quite frankly, I think it's ridiculous. For starters, this band sounds not much like Phish to say the least. Comparing them to Phish is like comparing Phish to the Dead -- please people, there's more to classification than "yeah, dude, they jam so they must be like ____." Secondly, I think while their songs do not have much structure, it gives them a lot of freedom to groove. These guys offer the coolest blend of sound I've seen live. The interplay between Magner (keyboards) and Gutwillig (guitar) is amazing, and Altman, the drummer, can throw some crazy beats into the mix. This album really showcases the groove, particularly Little Betty Boop -- it glides through some nice territory. The Biscuits' mixture of technotrancejamrock is just what the new century and jamband scene needs -- a big frickin' wake-up call after all the mediocre crap that seems to be floating through the atmosphere. If you want to be mesmerized by techno beats that peak and glide smoothly in a spin of whirling sound, buy this album, then buy a ticket to a Bisco show."
Great studio effort, wonderful composition.
09/25/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album was recorded right before a massive change in their style (listen to the monster Little Betty Boop for a hint of what they sound like now). They've distanced themselves even further from Phish, and have carved out their own niche in the jamband scene. Keep in mind that they have totally updated their style since this album, which came out around May '98. Listen to any show after that and you will see. Still a good album to have on the shelf.. it sounds great, and it might have the best I-Man I've ever heard."
Contagious grooves make you shake your money maker
11/18/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I heard these cats back in their Philly-only bar and frat days, and my oh my, how they have grown... while the album can't capture the live energy vibe (their instruments plug into your veins), this album still offers a whirlwind of sounds that take you in and out of hypnotic trance and pounding, knee-wobbling fervor... Acetobee has one of the greatest build-ups, MEMPHIS has a 'lil comedic thing going packaged nicely in a very catchy riff, I-Man has an almost crystaline beauty, and Vassilios gets super chunky-funky with (perhaps non-intentional but still desireable) off-note vocals. Buy this album or forever be left in the shadows of anti-climactic existential pain..."
Musically adventurous and exciting
John Alapick | Wilkes-Barre, PA United States | 07/25/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Disco Biscuits' second album, Uncivilized Area, shows that the stellar musicianship and improvisation of the jam bands is alive and well on the independent scene. While critics often complain that many of these bands can't put it together in the studio, this album is a musical tour de force and the songs are all very good. Tracks like "Aceetobee", which have some sick counter bass lines from Marc Brownstein, the quirky "Morph Dusseldorf", and the playful "Jamilla", are outstanding musical adventures that bounce between several genres within the same song. "I-Man" is also a great jam led by the stellar piano playing of Aron Manger and a cool chorus that you could sing along to. Also worth noting is that unlike similar bands such as The Dave Matthews Band, the band don't take themselves too seriously as evidenced by the hysterical lyrics in "Jamilla" and "Little Betty Boop." Even when the band decides to play it somewhat straight on "M.E.M.P.H.I.S." and "Awol's Blues", the band's considerable chops shine through. Another great track is the opener "Vassillios", which starts out heavy before suddenly breaking into piano jazz before returning to its original theme. The only track that doesn't work is the aforementioned "Little Betty Boop", which is great for the first 6 minutes but then becomes meandering and self-indulgent. All told, Uncivilized Area proves that today's jam bands could bring the excitement of their live shows into the studio."
Dont listen to the loser who reviewed this cd but only talke
george fertingworth | 05/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"listen to this cd. and go see the biscuits live."