CKY — Volume 1 (review)

Album · 1999 · Alternative Metal

4/5 · 2013-09-19
arcane-beautiful

CKY are a band I have always liked. Oddly enough, I have never really seen a lot of criticism thrown against these guys, especially nothing too harsh, cause these guys can actually play and write some rather unique metal tunes. And this being their debut proves my point.

Warning, this is a debut album. In fact, its pretty much a self funded project at best. The production was actually done by the band, and it's pretty impressive what they where able to do on a shoestring budget.

Now sound wise, the band have worked out a rather effective formula. A great riff makes a song. Now, I will admit, this album is chocked full of amazing riffs. Guitar riffs and grooves that I believe will stand the test of time. But that's it. The main thing going for these guys at the time was their ability to create some really stellar guitar riffs. Song writing wise, these guys wouldn't tap into their full potential until their 2nd album I think...and I mean it, there are some absolute tunes on that album. This album does have tunes but it does lack some lustre...but, this is also a rather interesting listening experience.

Another problem I have with this album is that it rather all over the place. In many ways, this album is a collection of 9 songs, with each song pretty much being a collection of the bands influences. Some songs eminate their later style, but some songs pretty much show the band with their favourite band's on their sleeves. Now don't get me wrong, this album isn't like Avenged Sevenfold's “Hail To The King” with blatant rip offs, but a well trained ear can hear certain musical moments emerging.

The opener “96 Quite Bitter Beings” doesn't really need describing. If you haven't heard this song then you are incredibly young or incredibly old. The riff, being the pinnacle of the song, really is the highlight and focus. The rest is alright though.

The oddest song on the album has to be “The Human Drive In Hi-Fi.” A disco funk song. Who would have expected it. It's rather enjoyable though...in a very wrong way.

“Lost In A Contraption” sees the band going in a rather middle eastern vibe, mainly with the guitar riff. Most bands have done this, but I'm surprised to see these guys going in this kind of direction. In many ways, this could be an ode to classic metal, which I feel this song pretty much is.

“Knee Deep” is a song I remember from “Viva La Bam.” It was one episode where Bam challenged his dad and his uncle as with rockstars and their final performances was with CKY, where they would be performing this song. The song itself is probably one of the bands more heavier moments with a rather doomy main riff. The middle riff is the real hookline though.

The album's comical moment comes in the form of “My Promiscuous Daughter.” With some rather obscene and graphic lyrics, it is a rather funnier direction for the band.

“Sara's Mask” is probably one of the most interesting songs on the album. A slower more ballad type of song, it really does have some rather beautiful instrumental moments and some nice vocal arrangements too.

In conclusion, this album has some strong points and weak points. I would recommend this to anyone, because it pretty much is a very accessible album. It's all over the place direction wise, but it does have something for everyone. Better things would come for the band, but as a debut, this is pretty impressive.

7.5/10