Editors note: IATU has this record for review because they are doing something relatively unique in the musical genre continuum. Their lyrics should not be construed as reflective of the stance of I Am Tuned Up as an entity or of the stances of its writers. Thanks.

Review by Ray Cobra

I have to admit I had no clue what I was about to listen to when I received this album. The only thing I knew was the band had a horror punk/rockabilly sound. Right away my mind went to The Misfits, Koffin Kats, T.S.O.L, Stray Cats and Social Distortion. My mind was right. The Brains take influence from these bands and few others as well. In my lifetime I haven’t listened to this genre much, besides The Misfits from time to time but that was only because all “punks” should listen to The Misfits, right? So after my first listen of this album I wasn’t too sure about it but upon my second, third, fourth and fifth listen it started to grow on me. Yep it’s one of those albums. It may take a few listens to enjoy, if you are not a fan of this genre or band.

The title track, “The Monster Within” does a good job of setting the pace for the album.  It starts with a blazing guitar riff that pulls you in right away.  Then the drums kick in and off you go to a different world. The imagery that The Brains conjure with this album is amazing. If you want to escape this world for about twenty minutes this album does that.  One moment you can be in a smoky bar with a juke box in the corner and the next in the 30s or 40s swing dancing. This album is all over the spectrum of music. Today in music that is a rare thing, bands tend to stick to one thing, not these guys.

I did struggle with the lyrics at times.  This is a band that sings of drinking, sexual things and things of the dark side. There are lots of lyrics about the devil and things of this nature. Ten years ago I would have been all over this album but not where I’m at in my life right now.  Lyrics are a very important part of any band, they can tell you a lot about the band and their interests. And judging by these lyrics these guys like to party on the weekend or any night for that matter.  There is one instrumental track,”Cucaracha in Leather” that is just amazing. It really showcases what this band can do with their instruments.  It is no doubt that these guys have talent. I am interested to see where they go next.

Score: 3/5

The Brains: Facebook