Buzz-saw punk rock with a three-guitar attack? How uncool, eh? Not if these guitarists (Jade Blade, Rodney Graham, Bill Napier-Hemy) are veterans in the scene surely! Whatever, Vancouver’s Volumizer reminds us why the best punk succeeds in the same way that powerpop does – tuneful vigor that never goes out of style in songs like “I Promise You, Thomas” & “What’s Your Problem?” – Power of Pop
From the original press release:
Volumizer is on the other side of the Mint spectrum but also sporting JC/DC’s King Midas touch, comes a different kind of Vancouver allstar collaboration. Bill Napier-Hemy (Pointed Sticks), Rodney Graham (UJ3RK5), Jade Blade (Dishrags), and Shannon Oksanen (visual artist) are Volumizer! Together, with John Cody they’ve created a buzz-saw punk rock document that looks waaay back while standing firmly in the present.
“I Promise You, Thomas” from Gaga For Gigi (Mint Records) 2001
“Silence” from Gaga For Gigi (Mint Records) 2001
VOLUMIZER
GAGA FOR GIGI
MINT RECORDS
Now this one is a solid 11 song pop/punk/indie/rock experiment into a smashing good time. Strong female vocals over some catchy riff-happy rawk that is both melodic and daring without ever succumbing to saccharine tasting/sounding radio pop. Enjoyable all the way through, crossing the likes of the AVENGERS meets JULIANA HATFIELD without ever sounding like either. Smart arrangements behind zesty lyrical content and a penchant for some thick and slick guitar tricks. Their bio states that they are a “who’s who?” of Canadian talent dating back to the 80’s (U-J3RK5, POINTED STICKS and DISHRAGS). By and large and interesting trip into some interesting modern rock.
-Larry Lugz, from Americore Magazine
