September 4, 2012 | , | 4

The Company Band, Pros & Cons

The Company Band: Pros & Cons EP

For as much as I want — nay, need — violent aggression within my music, there are times when I just have to chill out with some groove. In 2009, The Company Band, delivered their self-titled debut full-length. It was an album that I almost immediately fell in love with and still listen to on a regular basis. It provides me with the soundtrack I need for those more subdued times.

Well, now the guys — Clutch’s Neil Fallon on vocals along with Jess Margera on drums (CKY), guitarist Jim Rota (Fireball Ministy) and Brad Davis on bass (Fu Manchu) — have given me more reason to escape the malevolence with this five track EP, Pros & Cons. It’s just enough of an addition to their already awesome debut to tide me over till the next full-length.

“House of Capricon” opens up the album with Fallon’s unique lyrical approach and delivery. The song has plenty of head-nodding groove that allows you to simply forget about the din of chaos around you. “Black Light Fever” carries the groove with a bit of a darker atmosphere, but one that’s no less infectious. The southern tinge to the guitars suits the track perfectly. Both of the first two songs could have fit seamlessly on The Company Band without issue.

The third track on this EP, “Kill Screen,” is a bit of a departure from the stuff we’ve heard thus far on this disc and previous material. It has what I can only describe as an Iron Maiden vibe to it. I don’t know why visions of the seminal NWOBHM legends come to mind whenever I hear this song, but they do. It’s got some of the more memorable riffs on the short disc and is just flat out a bad ass song.

“Loc Nar” sees the guys settling into a bit of sludginess and foreboding atmosphere. It’s a bit of a downer after “Kill Screen,” but leads in nicely to the final track. “El Dorado” carries the band’s stylings along well with catchy guitars, Fallon’s awesome lyrics and plenty of bluesy groove. As far as EPs go, you can’t beat this one. The tone and vibe from the songs match previous material and whet the appetite for more to come. I cannot wait!