PULL

(Score:  4 out of 5 Battle-Axes)

Pull hails from Cortland, New York and formed in early 1997. Upon hearing the sampled percussive beats and hip hop scratching, I really wasn't sure if this was a band that I was going to like. Thankfully, the samples let up and "Down" developed into some quality modern heavy music. Bands like Godsmack, Alice In Chains, Saigon Kick, and the little known UK act Adrenalin Kick immediately came to mind. On this track, as well as the rest, the rhythms of guitarist Ed Kinney reverberate and form a tight bond with Jeff Garrett's basslines and Nate Horton's skin bashing. The fat, bottom heavy sound will be attractive to today's heavy music fans. Kinney isn't satisfied with just playing rhythms either, as he rips through many impressive leads too. His work on "Road Rage" and "Dr. Death" is exceptional. But the thing that really separates the band from many other modern heavy acts is the varied lead vocal work of Jeff and keyboardist Mykull (yep, one name only. He's the Cher of the heavy music world). These guys pull off (no pun intended) mixing dark mid-range vocals and melodic vocals. They actually create lines that you can sing to, unlike most bands today. Mykull's futuristic keyboard runs are also a highlight in "Get Thru," and give the band a distinctive and somewhat progressive sound overall. Also, the production on Ahead is stellar. If there is one unsigned band that is worth your cash, Pull is it. (Chris Dugan )

pull@twcny.rr.com

www.pullrocks.com