| CD REVIEW Stigma |
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Band : Stigma Let's start this review with the simple statement that, anyone who's even slightly interested in Hardcore must (MUST) know whom Vinny Stigma is! Because if you don't, you've never come in contact with Agnostic Front (which he founded in the early '80s) or Madball (of which he's been an active member for a while as well), and you have no reason to call yourself a Hardcore fan at all! I mean, the guy is not only a synonym to New York Hardcore, but with Hardcore and Punk Rock in general!!! While on tour in 2003 with their bands Jamey Jasta (of Hatebreed) and Vinny started a conversation which would eventually see the realisation of this first solo outing by the Hardcore idol, and the formation of a new band (which includes Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo). Produced by Jasta and former Monster Magnet guitarist Phil Caivano (who both brought something to the album musically as well, the first by doing some backing vocals, the latter by playing some additional guitar and bass), the album (which was mixed by Zeus of Hatebreed, Agnostic Front, Shadow's Fall fame) sees a list of guest appearances inclusing guitarists Josh Tilotta (), Mike Schweigert () and Frank Three Gun (), with Luke Rota (), Steve Gallo () and Bob Pantella sharing duties on the drum stool, and Freddy & Vinnie Cricien (Madball), Life Coach, Rota, and Tilotta joining Vinny to perform backing vocals. Of course, Mike Gallo is already installed as the Stigma's bassist (and he also brings some backings to the vocals). Musically, you get exactly what you could expect from an album written by Vinny: 12 Hardcore anthems with the occasional side-stepping into Country (that guitar in "My Reflection"), Folk ("Still Crucified" and "15 Pints") and Oi! Punk ("15 Pints again). On top of that, the guitarist is not afraid to go acoustic for a couple of sing-along ballads ("Blurry Nights" & "We Are The Boys", the latter rather an acoustic Punk anthem rather than a ballad, the first somewhat Country-influenced). This European version has the added advantage of containing a bonus track in a Hardcore cover of 7 Seconds' "Young Till I Die" (which is followed by a minute's silence before the lads put in a short acoustic "song" – it's really more some fooling around, you know). Lyrically, Vinny goes from an ode to his hometown & his life's story in Hardcore & Punk (album opening title track), his nostalgic feelings for home while on the road with the band ("My Reflection"), a reflection on past hard times ("Misery To Mile Stone"), love troubles ("Hard Times" and the balladesque ""Hole In My Heart"), social unrest ("Trouble") and injustice ("Still Crucified", "We're Not Alone"),yearning for improvement ("Turning The Tide"), and odes to (fighting & drinkin') friends of the past (album closers "Blurry Nights", "15 Pints" & "We Are The Boys"). Vinny's got a nice hoarse voice which goes well with each of the moods on the album (whether that's reflective or more aggressive), and what with all the backings what you get overall is a truly nice album in the genre indeed! Not exactly a must-have, but I'm sure most Agnostic Front fans will disagree with thàt assessment! Check out myspace.com/vinnystigma for a couple (regretfully, that's literal) of tracks off the album. I've no idea whom John V Benanti is, but Vinny dedicated the album to him. What with the album having been sent to us at such late notice, Stigma (next to Vinny and Mike Gallo, the band also includes Josh Tilotta and Luke Rota) is touring Europe as I write, with dates going up to October 18 (of course nothing in the vicinity of Belgium or Holland is left!). On a more comical (?) note, Vinny Stigma has now apparently started a campaign to run for the presidency (check out his campaign trailer at youtube.com/watch?v=ONDccArUA54). 87/100 Tony. |