Tsunami Rising

The Exploration for an Explanation

Self Released

(Tsunami Rising MySpace)

Like a dog with a bone New Jersey’s Tsunami Rising attacks its music aggressively on its latest release, the relentless The Exploration for an Explanation. Rarely letting go, this talented four-piece boldly bites through ska, reggae, punk, rock and more, sorta similar to RX Bandits if I had to them to someone. This is no relaxing by the beach kind of album and this individuality is what makes Tsunami Rising worth a listen.

You know you are going to be in for a bumpy ride with the album opener, the aptly titled Beginning of the End, featuring a sampled impassioned speech backed by beautiful acoustic guitar picking. The only way forward from this build-up is to rock out with Think Outside of the Reeboks, Armageddon Sick of This.

When you attempt a variety of styles of music, the one thing the successful bands have in common is a tight as hell drummer and Tsunami Rising’s Tom McAteer, provides a solid and explosive foundation. For one of the best examples of his ability, just take a listen to the exciting Drips Don’t Lie with it multitude of changes. That song has everything.

Obviously there has been a lot of thought put into the lyrics, so I wish I could have had them printed as part of the CD package to fully appreciate the band’s observations and frustrations (Grab them here on Myspace). Lyrics aside when you have songs as catchy as Samuel L. Action Jackson and Duhka it hardly matters.

Tsunami Rising has crafted a remarkable album that is all things; you can head-bang to it while rocking out on your make-shift guitar (aka old tennis racquet) in your bedroom (not me of course). While it is also suitable for a more intimate listening through headphones type of experience, as you attempt to fully appreciate the amazing musicianship that is up on offer.

Reviewed by Pilipo