jibmachinerecords.com
JIB Records, a local record company which does its best to support local bands, has just released its first compilation, Demons and Angels, in what will become a series of discs. The album features local talent; however, not all bands are of the same genre. Mugshot's "Decay" is rock/metal, and the singer's voice is reminiscent of Seether's Shaun Morgan. Other standout tracks include Johnny Mohawk and the Assassins' "American Punk," which includes a rampage of white-trash pride, played over pop/punk riffs, and Pat Zelenka's "Awakening," which is an instrumental trip. The blend of insouciance and in-your-face intense music on the record can make you feel schizophrenic, as you don't know what to expect from the next track. However, the diversity on the album leads you to believe the record company may produce good things in the future. — Stephen Tompkins

Mugshot

Behind Curtain Man and Lever

(self-released)

mugshottunes.com

It's no surprise many metal and hard rock outfits come from the Cleveland area. With poverty, pollution and unemployment, the city is a breeding ground for angst and despondency. Akron's Mugshot is the latest Northeast Ohio product to capitalize on that despondency. Singer-guitarist Derek Adkins, bassist John Patrick and drummer Hunter Edwards deliver straight-up rock with growling lyrics, crunching guitar, thick bass lines and a strong backbone of beats. While it doesn't rewrite the book for this type of music, Mugshot doesn't make it any worse. Adkins' vocals are at their best when he stays away from the low snarls and sticks to his higher clean timbre. "Mean Li'l Machine," "Fall Away" and "Gone," which features Hunter Thompson's infamous line about the amount of narcotics in his possession in the cult classic Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas, are the band's most diverse and prime tracks. — Dave Edwards

Alright picture this:You're on the road,window down,volume up,tapping your foot and banging the steering wheel.Got the picture?That's Mugshot.
A three piece band that hails from the Rubber City.If you like your music to bounce back at you then check out their self-titled new album.The opening track"Not A Word" is a Queens of the Stoneage inspired heavy hitter."Mama Said"keeps this going,and by the way LL, this will knock you out!My favorite,radio friendly"Innocent Princess"slows things down a little with Derek Adkin's voice sounding a little like alternative God J Masiac of Dinosaur Jr.fame.
Enough with the comparisons.Let's get our scream on."All Is Fair" brings it straight to you.Starting with a heavy guitar riff,the song builds into a melody that will have you chanting the rules of love and war.
A well laid-out band takes time.Mugshot is ten years in the making and it shows.
They call their sound"Cave Rock" and I must agree they echo a lot more than most three piece bands. So smile,this will be the only Mugshot you'll want.