So, the week before, Aidan and I were on our own and as the Popes, created Shabazz!. The next week was a different story as we were thrown into the "misfit band." That got off to a real bad start as that Friday we met our drummer, a preppy redneck with no talent, knowledge, or taste. He was named Chuck. Just overall one of the most terrible people I ever met and a constant sore in all of our sides that on numerous occasions almost came to blows. The four other members could all say they "almost killed him," as did nearly everyone on the staff.
Next we met our self-imposed frontman. First, I should say that as a good citizen who got to do whatever he wanted the week before, I let this clown have his way a bit, plus he was a lot better than Chuck. The fact that this guy, Josh had blue hair, wore all black - juggalo pants and sleeveless tees, and dog collars exclusively, was from Chicago, and was convinced he was the smartest person on Earth should show just how awful Chuck was. Obviously he played a B.C. Rich.
Last arrived our bassist. He was a nice guy from Rochester named Kevin and was your typical bass geek. You know, the kind of person with a chin beard who wants to tell you how great Big Dumb Face is. He, of course, played a 5-string, which was still the least offensive ax not owned by a McEneaney. This left me playing a different instrument all week - usually my Explorer.
That Monday, the five of us began this miserable musical exploration. Five days later, watergun outlet emerged and here is the evidence.
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| The inside, featuring all five members in front of tires surrounded by chainlink fence: Uno (Christopher McEneaney) on guitar and bass, Gorak (Aidan McEneaney) on guitar, Qev (Kevin) on bass, Josh, who proudly announces that he is Satan on guitar and vocals, and Chuck Daddy on drums. |
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| The back and front cover. To the left we are in Satan's room. We thought it would be funny, and it is. The right is the cover designed by Satan which he loved to remind us was not the same as the Quake logo. The scan never worked, and I don't care because this is fucking stupid. |
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| Here's the back cover (GET IT?!?) which segues into further explanation... |
Our tracklist was as odd as the membership.
We began with "Just Like Honey," which I sang, and thankfully did not play guitar on - two was bad enough. I can't listen to this version of the song, because I can't stand my own voice, especially at 15, but I'll mention that this is my mom's favorite recording ever. Funny story, when we practiced it, Aidan naturally turned his distortion all the way up. Satan told him not to because "it's a soft song." Keep in mind in addition to him knowing nothing of good music just chooses to ignore the fact that Aidan was familiar with the original song.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" was an odd choice too, just showing what a "compromise" amongst this group means. In rehearsals we would have a fairly interesting noise breakdown that unfortunately was not recreated in the studio. Still funny on the CD, though.
"My Atonement," as should be obvious by now, was the aforementioned nu-metal track. It may outdo "Wait and Bleed" as the nu-metal song I find most enjoyable due to my participation and the laughter it induces. Naturally, this song has the best use of Qev's fifth string, and on the verses the sound of the three guitars palm muted is a truly rare sound. It's so bad though, I think this would be funny to anyone, especially as the metal vocals nowadays sound like a really horrible Louis Armstrong impression. It includes consecutive solos by Aidan and Satan, and it is very easy to tell which is which - one is tasteful and simple, while other sound like a reject from an unrelated Dream Theater song. It speaks for itself, so give it a listen!
Unlisted is, "Mirror In the Bathroom." Originally by The (English) Beat, the song was butchered by Fifi on the SLC Punk soundtrack then THAT version was re-butchered by this band.
Overall this is a horrible recording, though one that is enjoyable for being so horrible. It seriously is worth a good laugh, but perhaps, unlike The Power of Rawk only once. Firstly some people in this band, mostly Chuck, lack proficiency on their instruments while others, mostly Satan, want to get a showy as possible. There are three guitarists and everyone has completely different taste in music, so coupled with belligerence, bad ears, and ego there are no dynamics at all, and it's all very busy.
If you dare, here is Chronic Insurgence - watergun outlet (2002) for your listening pleasure.
Tomorrow, or perhaps Thursday, Shooting Stars - Politically Correct
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