Dryspell Discography of CDs

Dryspell albums From the beginning, punk had an angrily sociopolitical side (the Sex Pistols, the Clash) as well as a power pop side (the Ramones, the Dickies, the Buzzcocks, Generation X). And when the 21st century arrived, both approaches were continuing to have an impact and make their presence felt in the alternative rock field -- some alternative rockers are influenced by the political punks, while others are more mindful of punk-pop. Artist, an alternative rock outfit that was formed in Tempe, AZ, but moved to the San Francisco Bay area, clearly favors the latter approach on its debut album, Kitty Porn. This CD isn't without angst, but ultimately, Artist is a fun band that gets a lot of its inspiration from punk-pop and power pop. While Kitty Porn isn't remarkable, most of the material is decent -- one can hear Artist's potential on catchy items like "Lucy" (which is arguably the best song on the album), "That's What They All Say," and "Rick James' Kitty Porn." The latter has an intriguing title, although the rather nebulous lyrics leave the listener wondering what the tune really has to do with funkster Rick James. This likable, if uneven, debut has more pluses than minuses, and it indicates that Artist is worth keeping an eye on. ~ Alex Henderson Recording information: David Plank Production, San Francisco, CA (2000); NR Studios, San Francisco, CA (2000); Trax Worx (2000). Arranger: Artist. Artist: Something that the desert goes through during the summer months.... being on-the-wagon for over 3 months...another way of saying that you have not been laid in at least a year...a pop-punk alternative band from the bay area? In this case it is the latter. With the long awaited and anticipated release of their debut CD, "Kitty Porn", Artist brings forth a collective musical experience complete with catchy vocal melodies, complex rhythms, and hard-edged riffs filled with inescapable hooks. In all, the music experience that is Artist consists of a combination of an aggressive alternative rock vibe and a touch of old school pop punk. Recent Press: "Artist creates its own style of Power-Pop blended with Alternative, with buzzing guitars and melodic vocals." - Impact Press- May 2001 "Artist bring you just a spell of old school pop punk full of upbeat rock with some drive and some crunch and big catchy hooks." - Outback- May 2001 "Artist are no fools when it comes to writing a catchy hook line and a power chord. These guys are a well-polished pop hit machine, cranking one out right after the other. Put Kitty Porn on random and any song could easily fit right in on the radio and the kids would bop right along. It would not surprise me at all if sometime soon I flip on MTV or the local radio station and hear Artist singing a pop ditty to me." - Naughty Secretary Club- April 2001 "Alright, now this I can handle....it's pretty darn good. This band must have an array of influences because they sound like Weezer, Greenday, Blink 182 and I even sense a little of The Offspring vibe coming out of this." Live Magazine- May 2001 "Artist, the San Francisco-based former Arizonans, is one of the best things to come from the Bay area since Jerry Rice. Somewhere between Tool and post-White Album Beatles, is where Artist hangs out. Artist has a pop sensibility, whether they'll admit it or not, that elicits an instant finger-snapping response, Pavlovian style. Enhanced by that expert production you only find on the coasts, Artist is a great album to have in your changer for your New Year's party. To put it quite simply, it rocks." - Boulder Weekly Artist: John Morris (vocals, guitar); Chuck Lindo (guitar, background vocals); Al Higgins (bass); Greg...