Search - Guano Apes :: Proud Like a God

"Open Your Eyes" to the Guano Apes

10/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a review that I wrote for my school newspaper. Any copyright information can be obtained at www.fsview.com.Imagine combining Jewel and Limp Bizkit or Tori Amos and Korn. It may sound outlandish, but you'd be surprised. Something along these lines is what you'll find on Proud Like A God. This debut from the Germany based Guano Apes was released in America on Tuesday. It was unveiled overseas in 1997 by Supersonic and Gun, and has gone platinum in Germany, as well as gold in four other countries. The album, which was produced by Wolfgang Stach, is guaranteed to find its way to the top of the charts in the States as well. The Apes are Dennis Poschwatta (drums), Stefan Ude (bass), and Henning Ruemenapp (guitar). However, the most striking element of this group is vocalist Sandra Nasic, who also writes all of the lyrics. Nasic displays an incredible vocal range, similar to that of singer Jewel. While she is loud and intense on some songs (in a style influenced by groups like Limp Bizkit), several slow, soft ballads are also featured on the album. The range of the band, when comparing songs, is also amazing. It is impossible to pigeon-hole this group into one musical genre. Proud Like A God combines elements of hard-core, punk, and a hint of hip-hop. But then, that is exactly what makes this CD such a pleasure to listen to - no song is like the one before it. The album opens with "Open Your Eyes", a song with a pulsating beat that is sure to become a club favorite. "Rain" is the first impressive ballad on the disc. After listening to previous songs, this is a quiet break from chaos. "Lords of the Boards," the official song of the 1998 European Snowboard Championships, is reminiscent of many well-known hard rock groups. Without doubt, it will create a stir in mosh pits nationwide. The Apes present another acidic track with "Wash It Down." It is loud and energetic, and the inspiration that Nasic gained from many rappers is evident in the fast-paced verses. The only downfall of the entire album is the final track, entitled "Tribute." This nine-minute long song is painfully slow at points and rather tedious. Still, it's only a small blip on the face of an impressive first effort. The Guano Apes are unlike any group on the U.S. music scene today. Their music, which is alive with the obvious passion of its players, is what America has been waiting to hear."

The GREATEST ALBUM of the latest year

10/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm Italian, and I saw their concert in Milan on 9 - 10 - 1999, because I was curios about this strange band. I wanted to know their music better, because I only knew their hit "open your eyes", and decide later to buy this record or not. I was so enthusiastic about their music that I bought their album and the cd-single too. I can't describe their music, but I try to do it. It's a mix of punk-rock, techno, hip-hop but with 140 bps. And I love it. Sandra has an incredible voice, and is also the writer of the words of the songs. The best song of the album are: Open your eyes, Lords of the boards (very punk), Wash it down (quite techno for the drums) and Maria ( a very beautyful slow song). All this in two words? OK! BUY IT!"

A Must Have.....

Melyssa | New Jersey | 05/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My boyfriend actually turned me on to this band, which is an oddity in itself becuase if it doesn't have perpetual double bass and thrashing guitars he's literally deaf to anything else. I, on the other hand, and a total sucker for any band with a female vocalist, which is why i'm so incredibly obsessed with feminist punk rock and such, but after he played this cd, i couldn't get enough of it. i still have his copy of this cd in my car and it still has not left my cd player. Hands down the best song is "Rain" i know most people like "Open you Eyes" the best, probably becuase it was the first song they ever heard by Guano Apes, but i instantly fell in love with "Rain" the first second i heard it. i actually wish more songs on this CD were in this fashion!



The only reason i didn't give this CD a 5 was because of the occasional over-abbundance of the whole "rock/rap" thing which is just plain annoying to me. even at its peak of popularity thanks in part to Limp Bzikit, Kork, 311, (hed) PE and the likes, rock/rap was not my cup of tea and still isn't now. this girl has an amazing voice and her "rapping" or whatever it is, is just unecesary. USE YOUR PIPES! aside from this minor flaw (and hey, we all have 'em) this Cd is definitely a keeper.



I have a method to buying CD's, if i don't think i'll listen to it 10 years from now, its not worth my money. this has always been a good method for me, and has always held true for me. all the CD's i bought 10+ years ago are still on heavy rotation in my mix, and this, is surely one of them."