CODENAME: ROCKY
Infinity (Glue Factory/Oglio)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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I didn't think I'd like this at all, especially after reading the one sheet (their enclosed bio), which called Codename: Rocky "emo-flavored ska-core," which is a combination of two of the most idiotic and trendy musical genres to come down the pike in years.

I arduously abhor Emo. It's pretentious, awkward, self-conscious, fake-sounding, and usually quite boring as well.

I know of several bands in the local music scene that CN:R is part of (Orange County, Calif.) who lived by pop, hardcore, metal, or "punk" until they heard Sunny Day Real Estate, and, like lemmings, suddenly saturated their tunes with droning guitars and breathy vocals.

I figured that these guys just did double-time-hitting first the already worn-out ska-core scene, and learning how to play the songs on Energy, and then went scouring thrift shops for the smallest black t-shirts possible (to better offset their new tattoos and specs).

Codename:Rocky do manage to keep a few steps ahead of self-parody and trendspotting through highly-skilled musicianship, and outstanding vocals. Great horns too, and the drumming is first-rate.

I'd even welcome their take on country in a few years' time.

GRADE: B.

© 2002 - Jason Thornberry