CT Ska Productions - Honeycreeper Freakqualizer CD

Honeycreeper
Freakqualizer

Honeycreeper is the shit, plain and simple. They had originally given me a copy of “Freakqualizer” for me to review, and my car got broken into and it was stolen. So, what do they do? They sent me another copy. Physically, the CD is impressive, complete with heavyweight paper sleeve and beautiful graphics. There’s even a CD booklet with all the lyrics in it. Score. I’ve seen these guys numerous times, as they’ve played their fair share of CTSka shows. One of which was at TYAF’s last show, where I was first introduced to their touring mini school bus. It’s amazing. But, onto what you really care about – the review.

From the first track, “Your Voice,” you know that this CD will be like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Their slogan is “Get freaky with your ear holes,” and you really don’t have any other choice. The first song has a lot of funk in it, but it’s really hard to classify. A lot of their tracks are such a mix of styles, and “Your Voice” shows this right upfront. Even when the tracks aren’t my favorite, I have to appreciate them musically as every member of this band is exceptionally talented. Strong vocals and sax melodies are really their signature, provided by their front-woman, Mandy Beck. She also throws in some harmonies that drive the end of “Your Voice.” The second track, “Five Degrees of Me,” starts off with an infectious sax melody, followed by awesome slap bass and a driving guitar line. The lyrics and verse guitar parts really solidify the track for me -- blending funk, rock, and jam into a masterful creation. The guitar work in this song is reminiscent of a Stevie Ray Vaughan or someone of that caliber. The third track, “Landmind,” is the first ska-influenced track that shows up on the album. This is also the first time I wished for more than just Mandy on sax. With a whole horn section, this song would be even more incredible than it already is. I also love the guitar licks thrown in, the backing male vocals, and the laidback feel of this track. From here comes the high-energy track “In The End,” which has punk, ska, swing, and rock aspects in it to make you skank, sway, and bang your head. Their diversity with only four musicians is incredible. From this comes a jam/ funk/ indie track entitled “These Days,” which I listened to several times in its entirety, even though it is 7:37 long. The slow crescendo of energy to a ripping guitar solo, followed by an excellent sax solo really makes the track memorable and thoroughly catchy. A second set of guitar and sax solos just enhances the professionalism and complexity of the track. There are even drum and bass features, highlighting how each of these members could have their own immensely successful solo projects. Some of Honeycreeper’s melodies and lyrics get a little repetitive, exemplified by some things in both “The Man” and “Procrastination Nation,” but no two tracks sound alike, so when a new track comes on, you’re intrigued all over again. I remember melodies from tracks like “Falsify” and “White” from Honeycreeper’s live show, with some awesome swing and other styles to keep your toe tapping. “Insight of Blind” really slows down the tempo a lot and lets you brace yourself the finale. The song “Unwelcome Guest” is probably my favorite on the CD, as it really throws in some really cool and unique third-wave ska to end the disc with a bang. Even though they’re playing ska, there’s still an awesome guitar solo and other things that make it distinctly Honeycreeper.

Honeycreeper’s release “Freakqualizer” fulfilled my expectations completely. This is a disc jam-packed with styles, solos, energy, and fun. Although the optimal release for Honeycreeper would be a DVD showing their incredible live show, the CD more than suffices. I definitely recommend seeing these guys and picking up a copy of “Freakqualizer,” and maybe even a homemade Honeycreeper bracelet.

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