Band : The Passive Aggressives
Album Title : Conflict Resolution
Label : Dead Fish Records
Distribution : ?
Release date : September 2009
Review : CD

The Passive Aggressives are a foursome from Oakland, that previous to “Conflict Resolution” already released the debut EP “Reloaded”.
Main attraction of the band is singer Keren Gaiser, who originates from Israel. Even though she had (and still has) a solo pop career, she was looking to expand her musical horizons. And so this woman in rock became the vocalist of The Passive Aggressives.
It’s hard to pin a label on the music The Passive Aggressives make. Some call it progressive pop, others use terms like alternative rock or even libido rock. What surely can be confirmed, is the mix of different musical styles we hear on “Conflict Resolution” : funk, rock, pop and metal. So, we could describe it as a combination of a classic rock sound with grunge or a mix of funky rock with progressive and melodic rock.
You get the picture?
References I’d like to mention are for instance Veruca Salt, Evanescence, Gwen Stefani, Belinda Carlisle and even Primus thanks to the pulsating bass rhythms.
But unfortunately for The Passive Aggressives, I am not fond at all of the sharp voice of Keren Gaiser. Her voice is so irritating that it makes me want to run away, really far away. And since singer Keren Gaiser is the main attraction of the band, this is also the weakness of the band.
“Conflict Resolution” contains 15 songs, has a playing time of 56 minutes and a lame cover of The Turtles’ 1967 hit “Happy Together” is also included.

60/100

Erik.