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The Etiquette - ...Eons
their long over-due debut |
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Review by Tony Bonyata Despite the fact that the Milwaukee-based rock band The Etiquette originally formed earlier this decade amidst the hype of the garage-rock revival, they've unfortunately been plagued with personnel changes, questionable career moves and only one release - the well-received 6-song Ages EP back in 2002. While bands such as The Hives, The Strokes and The Killers have all made it huge since the grittier side of rock reared its head back in 2001, The Etiquette has kept at it locally to some degree without label support (not that they didn't have their share of interest when Ages was released, though).The quartet has finally unleashed their first full-length debut entitled ...Eons, and despite any missed opportunities a few years back when labels were feverishly signing similar acts, it turns out to be an extremely strong effort brimming with youthful energy, huge hooks, amazing guitar-work and well-written rock songs that are actually closer to many great Midwestern power-pop bands than those more attached to the second coming of garage rock. The album immediately leaps to its feet with the punchy rocker "Free Headache" and refuses to let up through the ensuing 11 tracks. An unbridled passion fuels rockers like "One Fine," "Addicted To Everything" and the amphetamine-laced punk-gem "All Over You," while the mesmerizing rocker "I Know Where You Sleep" captures a bit of the heavy, mystic groove of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Along with the relentless energy from the backline of bassist Scott Beck and drummer Joe Boivin, the band soars with the twin guitars of Nolan Treolo and Eugene III, the latter whose commanding lead vocals are capable of winning over fans of punk, alternative and classic rock. While there are some that say that The Etiquette may have missed their chance at grabbing the brass ring years ago, this fine debut of timeless hard rock sounds just as relevant today as it would've seven years ago.... as it will for many more years to come. |