Reprinted from the column

New Release Noize

in Mixx Magazine

Kiddies should beware as this disc is laden with obscene language. However, parents and radio stations can rejoice because this treat of a recording has four radio edits! A thoughtful bonus. It isn't the rave reviews that came with this CD that make me appreciate it ( I listened to it before looking over the package), nor is it the fact that this disc is getting good radio play. It's the fact that this band knows how to craft a song. The fishing industry could learn alot from this band-they know how to create a hook like few others.

The arrangements of the songs and the overall tonality of this disc is an aural seduction. Scott Shunk's whispery vocal style only serves to add to this enticing mixture. Even when he is raising his voice with the energy at a given moment he still manages to sound like he's trying to cajole a sweet young thing into the bedroom.

I was surprised to find that the package heavily refers to the electronics that the band uses. Brad Solomon is responsible for sampling and he and Scott are both credited with electronics. When listening to the songs I do not feel an overwhelming presence of electronically created sounds. Skingame blends and wraps their sounds so professionally that it allows the listener to concentrate on the songs as a whole and not on the way that they were created. It's a sign of true professionalism when a band can utilize uncommon instruments and tools to accent and augment-rather than clash with -the typical instrumentation.

Mark Jackson lays down a wide range of tasty guitar tracks that always compliment the groove. I hear some instances of the Police or the Cure (trippy and effects heavy). Dustin DiTommaso is responsible for the bass that drives each track, and Steve Kilroy is the man that holds it all together on the skins. This whole thing is supported by a solid backbone of rhythm while electronic samples and evocative guitar flirt.

As far as the quality is concerned I had to do a triple take on the CD info to make sure that these guys aren't already on a major label. Skingame shares the production credit with Ted Paduck. One thing is certain-when they do get that much deserved deal-they won't need to record again.

I know you're not supposed to be able to wear out a CD, but I've listened to this damn disc so many times I'd swear my player's laser beam is getting dull. At this rate I may soon end up with a pile of melted plastic.

There is not one single song on this eight track release that I don't love. I will tell you that "Fall Dead" and "Godfreak Radio" have been getting airplay and that the latter is the song that appeared on the NEMO compilation CD. The one song that sticks out most in my mind when I think of this release is "Infinity" because Scott's heavy throated energized chorus. "Slow Death" is a pretty close contender though, with its funky groove it represents the other side of Skingame's songwriting complexity. The only sad note that I have to report s that I no longer have the package. That wanker D'aryl stopped by to work on the Webzine and snagged it while my lids were closed! I'll have to learn not to play my favorite CD's around visitors anymore. I would have simply flown over and taken it back but D'aryl has long since gotten wise to my nocturnal tricks and now keeps a healthy supply of garlic and crosses around his jealously guarded CD collection!

If you have ears that work, you need this disc. Of course you run the risk of someone "borrowing" your Skingame CD. But fear not-you can contact them at skingame@earthlink.net for a refill. You might just want to buy two in the first place!