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By GREG MAKI
My initial impression of Mower was less than favorable. The title of their second and latest release, Not For You, seemed appropriate. As someone else suggested to me, the straightforward, hardcore-influenced metal sound of the early songs on the disc are awfully reminiscent of the late ‘90s band Snot, complete with Brian Sheerin’s vocals falling somewhere between singing and rapping. It has to be more than a coincidence that former Snot guitarist Mikey Doling was the producer. The sound would have been fresh about a decade ago. I was ready to write Mower off and listen to the rest of the album only out of an obligation to review it.
Then a funny thing happened. Track four, “The End,” began to play. It immediately hooked me with its chugging Pantera-esque riff and the most prominent display yet of second vocalist Dominic Moscatello, who brings a raspier, higher pitched sound than Sheerin. The song lasts only 1 minute 15 seconds, but shows a whole new side of the band, suddenly drawing my full attention. I was even more impressed by the next number, “Look Away,” which has a heavy Corrosion of Conformity vibe and a cleaner guitar sound than anything preceding it. Sheerin, fully singing now, has a commanding tone similar to COC’s Pepper Keenan. The interplay between his baritone and Moscatello’s rougher vocals is one of Mower’s strengths.
Not For You continues in a similar vein to “Look Away,” with more singing than rap-rock shouting. Most songs are up-tempo and heavy, making me think this what COC might have sounded like if Keenan had been the vocalist on their earlier, more hardcore-influenced albums. Highlights include “General Admission,” with its bass-driven groove and menacing guitar tone; “LA Riot,” with its relaxed, lounge-type feel; and the punk-influenced “Seedless.”
Brevity is another common theme. Most songs fall within one to three minutes. That’s a plus for the uninspired tracks at the beginning, but others deserve time to develop and breathe, especially the criminally short “The End.” Mower packs 15 songs into just 38 minutes.
I can’t say there’s anything new here. Mower certainly isn’t going to change the world (not that they’re trying) or even heavy music. But there is talent in this band. If you can make it through the nu-metal castoffs that start the album, you’re in for a real treat.
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