Search - Inch :: Dot Class C

A band in transition...

Wounded Knee | Ohio's North Coast... | 07/15/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Inch's first full-length, "Stresser," was an incredible freshman effort that would have been hard to top under any circumstances. However, by the time that these guys recorded "DOT Class C" (i.e. one of the U.S. Department of Transportation classifications for truckers carrying flammable cargo), they had lost a guitarist (went from a four-piece to a three-piece) and bassist, and swtiched bass players yet again in the midst of recording this album. Plus, for what it's worth, they made this album in Charlotte, NC -- almost 3,000 miles away from their home of San Diego, literally making them fish out of water for the recording experience... I'm not sure how much these factors affected writing and producing, but they provide a circumstantial apology at least.That being said, the first half of the album is pretty weak and exhibits little chemistry. Generically punkish song structures dominate the first few tracks, and there's no innovation to the rhythym section performances that are typically the hallmark of the band behind Stimy's vocals. And speaking of vocals, this album as a whole showcases the weakest of their lyrical efforts. Of the first few songs, 'Sugar' is probably the best track, what with it's Pixies vibe -- never derivative, but merely hinted.Tracks 7-13 of "DOT Class C" rank up there with the best of their songs on "Stresser" and "This Will Fall On Dead Ears" (which I think is often horribly underrated). 'Machone' features the band going low-key and playing with the hard-soft dynamic they've always been masters of. 'El Burro,' 'Total Access,' and 'Moot Point' are classic examples of Inch's unique song structures and mastery of rhythym. These tracks make it worth it to buy this album, if only from a used seller!One final overall weak point of the album is the production. Stimy's trademark buzzsaw, ripping guitar just doesn't sound as fierce. While "Stresser" remains my favorite Inch album, Mark Trombino's production on the "This Will Fall..." CD is sublime. Check out that disc for the total, matured breadth of Inch's sound. From the spacey title track to the raging 'Mr. Magnet,' you won't be disappointed..."

Great album overall.

David McHenry | 03/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A good follow-up to Stresser, although Inch takes a small step backwards here. The songs are fine individually, but something just doesn't sit well here. I've never heard an album like this before where you get the feeling that something's weird about it. The cover art is very strange too. Flaming birds flying around a fireball? What does that have to do with Dot Class "C"? I'm not sure I understand these guys but they sure can play."