Close followers of the West Coast sound will probably recognize Brian Natonski (a.k.a. Gearwhore) from his production credits on the San Diego-based Fatal Data label, which included a series of storming production collabor... more »ations with percussionist Shaheen. His lush and organic (yet driving and aggressive) records were staples of any underground DJ's set. But unfortunately, most production talent on the West Coast rarely makes it beyond limited-run 12-inches. Thankfully, Gearwhore has emerged from the underground, with Shaheen in tow, to deliver Drive, his first full-length project. Throughout the album, Gearwhore lays bare his rock roots, welding together typical West Coast trance with bombastic live percussion and screaming guitar loops to create a sound that puts most rock-band-with-drum-machine imitators to shame. --Matthew Corwine« less
Close followers of the West Coast sound will probably recognize Brian Natonski (a.k.a. Gearwhore) from his production credits on the San Diego-based Fatal Data label, which included a series of storming production collaborations with percussionist Shaheen. His lush and organic (yet driving and aggressive) records were staples of any underground DJ's set. But unfortunately, most production talent on the West Coast rarely makes it beyond limited-run 12-inches. Thankfully, Gearwhore has emerged from the underground, with Shaheen in tow, to deliver Drive, his first full-length project. Throughout the album, Gearwhore lays bare his rock roots, welding together typical West Coast trance with bombastic live percussion and screaming guitar loops to create a sound that puts most rock-band-with-drum-machine imitators to shame. --Matthew Corwine
Joseph Bauschek | Greenfield, WI United States | 04/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow this cd can grow on a listener. Take all elements of aggressive beats (aggro guitar, ambient synth, techno, industrial) mix them together into a type of synthetic harmony. This is the gearwhore. This guy and his cohorts destroys the concept of a band/group as you might know it. Try it out, it will amaze for a 1998 release and relax and make you want to move at the same time."
Amazing (:[simply])
Amir Tajakin | Orange, California | 05/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gearwhore has turned into one of my favorite techno-metal bands of the last few years after hearing this CD. It includes one of my favorite tracks in general, 11:11, plus it also has great beats on songs like Passion (Harley Mix) or The Picture. Unlike fellow heavy technoers Prodigy and their latest effort, "Fat of the Land", Gearwhore's album is heavy beats and synth guitars to rival Amir Derakh (not really) the whole way through. Suprisingly heavy, Drive is great for a night listen when you're tired of the Chemical Brothers and need to be energized. Other recommended groups: Psycore, Lunatic Calm, and Primal Scream."
Every track is a great high
Amir Tajakin | 01/01/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nothing to worry about when buying. Every song is different and loaded with caffeine"
Gearwhore = rad breaks and beats!
Amir Tajakin | 11/25/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Brian Natonski, ( the man behind gearwhore) has created what I call a spasim of breaks and beats. He floats between the two worlds of breakbeat and trance in his first release as "gearwhore". I love the breaks on Accelerator, and his almost "loop guru-ish" vocals on The Picture. Brian makes a great studio artist and this record prooves it. Whats also cool is Keoki's work on M'lion, what a werid combo, but it works! How much more fun can you have in your bedroom? (its a joke, Brian composed this album entirely in his bedroom.) Anyway, take it from a Dj, this album can sure start a party! If you like Dj Icey, Derrik May, or Uberzone then pick this up."