DIE TRYING

“Die Trying”

Island Records

It’s always exciting to find a new group that seems to get it. Searing fast guitars with visceral, hurried and intense vocals backed by pounding, hypnotic rhythms. Die Trying understands the sonic cornerstones of our seminal punk, hard rock and alt-rock predecessors. Their self-titled debut on Island Records is a straight-forward and uncluttered rock and roll assault with a punk edge, lyrically, in particular. Forgivingly devoid of incisive synthesizer and other similar electronica, the music is well-suited for any self-respecting college party or club. For those of you who have been around long enough to remember the early punk revolution, you might immediately detect the vocals have the tone and urgency of early Elvis Costello – music, by the way, that would ironically fit into today’s “cutting edge” music scene without question. Interestingly, on one of the best tracks of the CD, “Turn Up the Radio,” you’ll note a radio-friendly, anthem-like feel that harkens back to the spirit and sensation of Costello’s late 1970’s classic “Radio, Radio.”

On this speedy 12-track, 38 minute set the group shows the ability to mix the fast tempo with crisp and clear vocals. Lead singer, Jassen Jensen is able to pace his wording quite skillfully with the tempo of the music, packing quite a prolific set of lyrics into the relatively quick set. The entire CD is filled with music that obviously comes from gut-level emotions. Tunes like “Never Good Enough,” “Words that Kill,” and F*** You” do not need much interpretation. They typify the divine release of angst and anger that embodies the punk rock mentality.

Making a quick impression in the local clubs, Die Trying’s design is that of a grass roots, no-frills quartet; one obviously out to have some fun. The Sacramento, California-based band comprised of Jassen Jensen, vocals, Jack Sinamian, guitar, Matt Conley, drums, and Steve Avery, bass, were uncovered by Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix. The rest of the story can be heard on “Die Trying.” They’re undoubtedly the kind of band that can pump up a live audience at a local venue like the Webster Theater. Time will tell if they can expand their repertoire to capture even bigger crowds. One thing we realize by the end of the CD is that Die Trying is a new group that really does get it.

- David Geller

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