File Under: Electro-Punk-Metal rating: B- tracks 1. Pulse 2. Fast Getaway 3. Me 4. Asthmatic 5. Anal Box 6. The Piston 7. Zoo 8. Die Young 9. Superstar 10. Treasure X 11. Spyder 12. Ride Me related links X27 Narnack Records

Dark and heavy with gravelly chords, X27’s record Your Neu Favourite Band is an interesting mix of punk rock, metal and the interchanging sound of male and female vocals.

The first track “Pulse” is a dark, scraping song with Rikkeh X singing lead. It’s very stripped down, yet Oran X’s quick drumming and small fills give the song a bit more depth.

“Fast Getaway” has Carmen X on lead vocals, and it gives the band much more dynamic. It’s a short, rolling song that has a dance beat and a sly, alluring tone to it.

X27 seem to have a quick, groove driven sensibility. But their songs tend to end abruptly, and they don’t seem to pursue the song to the level of its potential. Songs like “Me” and “Anal Box” don’t seemlike they have much to them. At times it sounds like many other things that are getting recognized in the music world now; yet, other songs like “Asthmatic” and “Zoo” seem to push the band into their own sound. The fact that lead vocals are traded off on songs gives the record a freshness and a versatility to a degree.

Overall, X27’s album is a firm collection of grainy rock. At times it seems the band not that remarkable, but standouts like “superstar” show the band’s promise. Take away the prominent tom-drumming, and typical electroclash flavors, and you’ve got a distinctive solid band.

Tom Fraher is a Contributing Writer. Contact him at tomf@rockzone.com.