Scumbo
Scumbo (2001)

review by: Michael Walls
Date: 8/5/02

This is a tough industry. Sometimes you need a gimmick. Kiss had a gimmick. Wear makeup and waggle your tongue. Weird Al had a gimmick – he was, well...weird. Even Ozzy's got a gimmick. Act stupid and mumble a lot.

The problem with a gimmick in this industry, is it only gets you in the door. Your talent, skills and hard work is what will keep you in the room.

Scumbo's got a gimmick. Two guys who have never personally met, exchanging audio files over the internet, creating music. One guy in New York, the other in Virginia. Alright, the gimmick worked. I'm intrigued. But you know what? If the music sucked, you wouldn't be reading this.

It's an interesting blend of musical styles, using techno beats and samples, and mixing it with Beatle-esque melodies and vocals. The first track, "Apricots", using a slide guitar sound and plunky keys, floats a catchy rhythm under swirling vocals creating an enjoyable song. Track 2, "Save my Solo", is reminisent of The Cure or New Order's techno style, but using some interesting vocal layering. I like it. Track 5, "Da Wank" mixes in some 80's synth and drum machine sounds with some echoey female french vocals.

A short 7 track CD, that has been in my CD rotation of late. I sense the start of something bigger and better. Even without the gimmick, I think these guys might breakthrough. But, if this gimmick doesn't entice you to buy, perhaps another gimmick might. How about being able to buy this for $3, including shipping, off their website?