MINUS
Halldor Laxness (Victory Records)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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Worse than a lack of variety is the vain attempts to diversify what is in actuality a stagnant, docile piece of art. What walks like a duck and squawks like a duck, most likely is a duck.

To extend that metaphor, what walks like schlock rock and rocks like schlock rock, most likely is schlock rock. Other than a blatant attempt to use the word 'schlock' in a sentence three times, the point is that Minus's new album Halldor Laxness is as predictable as the Cincinnati Bengals football team. Regardless of the annual training camp hopes and a press release full of new players, the inevitable cellar dwelling eventuality comes over the city about halfway through the season. This "blistering" and "raucous" record lacks vital components such as creativity, variety and ultimately, any strain of outward legitimacy. Steer clear. You've got fifteen bucks and maybe it is best left in your wallet.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz