Dead To Me - African elephants

Dead To Me is a punk-rock band from San Francisco that features former members of One Man Army and Western Addiction. If any of you enjoyed their first full-length but didn't listen to their EP 'Little brother' released last year, you will be a little surprised when you hear the first song of 'African elephants'.

Whereas their first album 'Cuban ballerina' was mostly catchy pop-punk with rough vocals and elements of street-punk, the EP showed a kind of evolution with the presence of ska vibes and reggae beats. Here, the transition is done and Dead To Me now proudly play a bouncy punk-rock with strong dub and ska influences. The switching in tempos and genres is surprisingly well-executed, blending to form a good and cohesive record. As previously said, the intro 'X' will give you a quick idea of where the Californians decided to go. Vocals shouted half in Spanish, half in English, dub beat, reggae percussions, the change is obvious. Yet, Dead To Me haven't become a ska-punk band as the reggae flavor remains low-key and sensible. This new sound is at its best when meeting the energy and dual vocals of the first record, like on the excellent 'Nuthin' runnin' thru my brain'. Vocalist/bassist Chicken Annicharico's hoarse singing seems to be now accompanied by guitarist Nathan Grice's impressively great vocals. Previous singer/guitarist Jack Dalrymple isn't featured on the record because he took some time off to enjoy his new life as a father. Besides, and as every band of their kind, their riffs are as infectious as their lyrics are conscious, providing interesting lyrical moments such as 'Cruel world'. The band also proves they can branch out with lighter tunes like 'California sun', while 'Fell right in' will reassure the fans that Dead To Me haven't lost their punk-rock rythm and dynamic.

Different sound, different line-up, 'African elephants' almost shows off a new band. The change may be rough for a lot of fans, but let's clearly say it fits them well. Dead To Me have definitely matured and stepped away from their direct influences and former bands to find their own sound. A sound you can now appreciate on this pleasing, fresh record.

3.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
The Clash, Rancid, Swingin' Utters
Check also:
Time Again, Western Addiction, The Briefs

www.myspace.com/deadtomesf
(Fat Wreck Chords, 2009)