Combine Discography of CDs

Combine music CDs All music written by Combine. All lyrics written by Brian Pafumi. Released in 1996, this second Caroline release from Combine improves upon the band's richly adventurous debut. Leading the group's charge is vocalist/guitarist Brian Pafumi, whose unmistakable voice and guitar combination are a rare musical and artistic punk accomplishment. Joining Pafumi on The History of American Rock and Roll are musicians Juan T. Corbett (drums) and Xavier D. Lewis (bass). Nice instrumental sections on "Big Disappointment" and "Robert Poss (American Guitar Hero)" punctuate Combine's brand of punk that could best be described as mature and dynamic. Angular to the point of being progressive, Combine's riffs exude originality without losing their punk directness or a certain listenability. The only low point on this disc is the Billy Corgan-esque ballad "Mudpie" that's severely out of place with its acoustic strumming and whining melodies. Fortunately, the group slams right back into action with "Attrition," and except for the one foray into modern rock soul searching, this release offers nothing but aggressive, smart music that's hard to categorize but easy to listen to. ~ Vincent Jeffries Recorded at Baby Monster Studios, New York, New York in April 1995. Combine: Brian Pafumi (vocals, 6- & 12-string electric & acoustic guitars, piano, organ, percussion); Xavier D. Lewis (bass, percussion); Juan T. Corbett (drums, percussion). Additional personnel: Jennifer Merlis (violin); Julia Kent (cello).

Combine discography This 1995 debut from Combine puts an interesting twist on indie pop with its hardcore guitar and drum blasts, giving the group an undeniable edge. Guitarist/vocalist Brian Pafumi's whining, ironic voice steers Combine clear of anything that smacks of a standard punk presentation, making the group infinitely more interesting than the many more dogmatic punk and rock artists. Pafumi has a vision for sure, and that vision gets fleshed out considerably on Norfolk, Virginia. Highlight tracks include the progressive hardcore of "Ambivalent" and "Cattle My Rage." Other standouts like the opener "All Tore Up," and "Ephedrine" have a more dynamic flavor and melodic weight that balances things up nicely with the sometimes cacophonous, even toxic material. There are a few slow moments ("Suckboy Vs. the Hermaphrodite,") but things generally move along very nicely. Reckless, hard, and full of amazingly rich guitar feedback, Norfolk, Virginia is a solid debut from an interesting and original band. ~ Vincent Jeffries