Search - Supershine :: Supershine

Its Trouble, but not trouble-ing....

Worgelm | United States | 10/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, you pretty much know the score with Kings X side projects. Deep grooves, hook-y choruses, emotional singing, a touch of the psychadelic, and guaranteed not to ever suck. I was really frightened when I heard the lineup that I might not need this record. So whats the twist this time on the latest project? Bruce Franklin, the guitarist from another "undercover" Christian band, Trouble. Once you finish this bad boy you'll no doubt want to scour their back catalogue. The vibe is very definitely 70's metal, down to the bandana-toting Franklin and his flying-V, very Sabbath-like and doomy at times and definitely not exhibiting any of the prog tendencies that KX has. Okay, on the last track they throw in Wally Farkas and a Hammond Organ, but until that moment its pure nuts-and-bolts metal. Definitely not a double concept album that inspires cofee-house chats on time signatures, rather it generally makes you want to get into powerful American cars and drive fast with the radio blaring. Once you exorcise the ghost of Tony Iommi from the main riffs, its a little difficult for me to provide a reference point for the sound this record achieves; think of Blackout-era Scorpions (in particular the double harmonized leads on "No One Like You") without nasally Klaus Meine. Maybe a little D.P.-era Ritchie Blackmore ? By "Kingdom Come" the vibe of the album is definitely established, with a brutal, gutshot, rigid stacatto marching riff from Franklin. Definitely check out the grandiose double leads in "Shinin' On" and especially the wrenching lead solos on the gorgeous, all-too-short "In Mourning", where there are as many as four guitars playing distinct melodies at once. The slow funk-grind of "Going Down" might seem to belong somewhere on a new Poundhound record, with Doug's bowel-shaking bass riffing, but its the big, fat guitar sound that Franklin has that sets it apart. And "Automatic" has a sweet, bluesy chorus that resolves itself in a bouncy pop surprise. There are some flaws in the overall raw presentation, drums sometimes sound markedly different in the mix, and songs like "I Can't Help You" aren't making a strong case for a distinct separation from the basic KX formula (c'mon guys, admit it - you love it and know it well), but for axe-grinders, pay attention, you'll never hear guitar sounds so sweet and kitsch-y than out of this one. You'll be digging up your Nugent and Frampton vinyl in no time."

Supershine Rocks... A definite MUST HAVE

Frank Ventosa | Jersey City, NJ | 11/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The various misconceptions about Supershine's influences and references range from the ridiculous to the ignorant. First off, Supershine, the band and music stands on its own. Bruce Franklin comes from the Black Sabbath school of thought and it is only fitting to say that his riffs are reminiscent of Black Sabbath, but Supershine's music does not sound like Sabbath at all. I understand that majority of the reviewers here who are comparing Supershine's music to Black Sabbath as reference is to be able to identify their music for their conveniences. BUT let's get this straight, it is not Black Sabbath music. Supershine the CD is a melodic, straightforward if slightly retro type of heavy rock music affair. Did I hear anyone say that nothing is memorable on this CD? Listen to the CD again! Yes, the songs are catchy, melodic and memorable. You have the CD, listen to it again!!Obviously, Supershine sounds more like a heavier King`s X than it sounds like Trouble, and Franklin`s trademark playing is the only reminder to the Trouble connection being that he plays just as heavy as he does on the Trouble CDs. Doug Pinnick's soulful, bluesy and melodic delivery is overwhelming enough and it complements Franklin's powerful playing that does not waver at all. Let's get some of the facts straight. Supershine was/is Bruce Franklin's side-project that came about as a result of Trouble's disbandment. Doug Pinnick happens to be Franklin's favorite rock singer, so the frontman position was offered to him. On a Metal Maniacs interview, Pinnick said that he was a bit disappointed with his lack of contribution to the writing process. There was talk that there would be a follow-up CD and that Pinnick was gonna be involved with the songwriting. So far, nothing's been heard since about the sophomore CD. This report came even after reports and the subsequent Trouble reunion happened.No, Supershine does not sound like Cathedral, Alice In Chains or Soundgarden. Interesting observations but where do people come off making comparisons like that. Furthermore, Trouble never had a hit at all 15 or 10 years ago, not ever. Initially referred to as a Christian metal band or white metal for their positive messages in their early works, the guys in Trouble deny this (Christian label) connection now. Whatever this type of music may be, it has left a lasting impression to their fans. Their brand of heavy rock doom mixed with Beatle-lesque psychedelia on some of their songs makes for a unique but very heavy listening. Bruce Franklin shares guitar duties with Rick Wartell (he is also one heavy dude) making Trouble music doubly heavier. Thus Trouble is the tag-team of doom metal a la Judas Priest.Like the other reviewers before me who positively reviewed this CD, yes, Supershine ROCKS!! And it is a definite MUST HAVE. Furthermore, also check out all Trouble CDs: Plastic Green Head, Manic Frustration, Trouble, Run To The Light, The Skull and Psalm 9. If you are a metalhead you probably already own them or one or two."

Five stars

gintzer | Minnesota USA | 11/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since this ranks in my list of top ten all time favorites, I may be a bit biased but here goes. Combining the best elements of the legendary underground groups King's X and Trouble, Doug Pinnick of King's X and Bruce Franklin of Trouble serve up a tasty offering of all things good about rock and roll. Doug's lyrics soar from up above (not heaven, though, as he has disowned God by release time and also come out of the closet) and Bruce's guitars scorch from the flames and belly of the underworld. To put it bluntly, Doug puts all rock singers to shame with his performance and Bruce's guitar licks are unparalleled (except for his own, slightly better performance on Trouble's "Manic Frustration".
BUY IT BEFORE IT GOES OUT OF PRINT!"