Sean Myott, bass player from San Diego trio Firethorn had been trying to send his bands debut to me for what seemed like months. I don’t know if my post office box has an anti-band-mail charm on it but that’s not the only example of things being sent by bands that hadn’t made it to me. However, bands ‘sending’ anything besides good intentions or an unpaid bar tab is always somewhat of a farce. That’s why they hire PR people right? Sean came through and dropped off Pollution for the Fountain of Youth in person to me, and we shook hands, connecting me inextricably to favor.
Pollution is an intriguing debut parked comfortably along Bleach-era Nirvana and classic Southern California hard rock with the occasional nod to Descendents-style, irreverent metal worship. They definitely mine the depths of late 80’s and early 90’s punk and Seattle sound, wearing their influences proudly in their riffs and sentiments.
“A Looker Named Lexie” has that schizophrenic, multiple-voices-jabbering in the bridge technique that they pull off effortlessly on the record and I’d be interested to see how they do it live. The musicianship truly shines on the track, “The Nerve!!” where acoustic guitar is the thematic voice of the song. The production is interesting and could stand alone as a statement in uniqueness or on the other hand, it could use some Alan Douches style mastering to enhance the subtleties.
Pollution goes well with Mudhoney, whiskey sours, bonghits and muscle cars.
Check them out at http://myspace.com/firethornrock
A Coat of Red Paint In Hell 