MAKESHIFT ROMEO 'Makeshift Romeo' RATING: 7/10

By GREG MAKI

After the demise of Twisted Method in 2005, vocalist Tripp Lee Tribbett and bassist Derek DeSantis continued working on music with Dope frontman Edsel Dope, who had taken them under his wing. Lineup changes eventually placed Edsel behind the drums and Virus, also of Dope, on guitar. This new band, Makeshift Romeo, has now made available an EP, which you can buy online or at one of their shows.

Hands down, the star of this band is Virus. With Makeshift Romeo mostly avoiding the industrial trappings and effects that mark Dope’s music, Virus’ guitar is front and center in each song. He always keeps things interesting whether it’s with a short solo on “Feel Something,” one of the most memorable riffs of the year on “The Way I Was” or the Dope-like grind of “Dream.” To get an even better idea of what he’s capable of, check out his Black-N-Blues side project.

Tribbett’s vocals are what I describe as “thin” and at times remind me of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. He takes the band dangerously close to emo territory when he sings lines like “I was wrong” and “It’s my fault” on a song called “Apology.” He sounds his best on “Hurt Me,” when he toughens up and shows some aggression through his voice. The recording also could use more of Tribbett’s former Twisted Method bandmate. I’m not criticizing DeSantis’ performance on bass; I’m saying it should be louder in the mix.

In addition to the seven songs, the EP features the radio edits of two tracks and a video for “The Way I Was.” It’s a decent start for Makeshift Romeo and a nice change of pace from the more abrasive Dope material.