[rating=2.00]

The Moistboyz latest release is simply titled IV. While the title calls to mind another album that has the IV label, the Zeppelin comparisons should end right there. Where Led Zep went for the grandiose the Moistboyz go for the simple, but these New Hope, PA boys just never seem to bring it all together on their new release. The vocals are distorted and harsh, spouting an “angry world every man” diatribe against the current political machine in power, cops and pedophiles. It just seems that the “angry man” yelling is Michael Douglas’s character from Falling Down, confused and a bit one-dimensional. The Moistboyz aren’t trying to hide this, they hate George Bush but they still want to be the soundtrack blasting out of your pickup, while your hanging in the parking lot of the local 7-11 drinking Bud TallBoys. That’s all well and good but there is no fun here and it gets old fast. Songs such as “I Don’t Give a Fuck Where the Eagle Fly’s” and the aptly titled “Fuck You” sure are loud but don’t convey much energy or even real passion. Simple and direct power rock/metal can be effective and aggressive at the same time, but IV’s lyrics and vocal styling make a monotonous listen while paired with some very melodic guitar work.

Listening to 40 minutes of an angry “Dickie Moistboy” a.k.a. Guy Heller just seems out of place in front of some really catchy riffs and clean production by Mickey Melchiando a.k.a. “Dean Ween.” On the majority of songs either the music isn’t raw enough or the vocals need to be toned down, the sum does not equal its parts. The best pairing of styles seems to be on the song “Year of the Maggot” which pump’s punk rock and emotion without the fuzz and feedback, and more of the songs on the album should have taken this route. Other songs seem to be Ween B-sides – some good “The Stalker,” some weak, “Everybody’s Fucked Her.” The effort is clearly present, and it shows that Mickey and Guy want this to be more then a side-project, however the misses out weigh the hits on Moistboyz IV.

For more info see: moistboyz.com

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