Review of Brand New Sin - Tequila

Ahh, Brand New Sin, huh? I’ve been on the fence with these guys for a long time now, kind of observing the party from afar, but finding no reason to join in on the fun. They’ve always been one of those bands I’ve liked, but couldn’t commit to fully. Perhaps it’s due to the good ol’ boy atmosphere that is generally associated with the type of southern-laced metal that makes it difficult to judge with a critical eye, but I find it cheap that an entire genre of music gets a pass based on aesthetic alone by so many people, much like the way old school death metal does. So with fists raised and stance taken, I go to battle with Tequila…

…and proceed to get my ass handed to me on a silver platter, garnished and all. An even mix of balls-out, fiercely executed bulldozers like “Motormeth” and “Reaper Man”, heavily intoxicated Cuervo Black-drenched grooves of “Numero Dos” and “Spare The Agony”, and rounded out by a monstrous cover of “House Of The Rising Sun”, the entire band steps up their game with more brash swagger than ever before. This is easily their most realized, well-planned effort to date. From those wailing leads, and bluesy bass licks, to powerhouse drumming and metal-at-heart riffs with a Latino flair, Tequila rises above mere bonghit blues rock, and really showcases the deceptive talent these Syracuse boys possess. It’s rare that music like this sticks with me, and I had this album playing in my head for hours afterwards, whether it’s a guitar lead, a nasty groove, or a catchy vocal arrangement. It’s like getting choke-slammed by The Big Show over and over again, and not minding a bit.

If there was an award to give to ‘Most Improved’ for 2006, I’d mail it to vocalist Joe Altier along with a coupon for a year’s worth of beer & one free blowjob from any fellow human of his choosing (with consensual agreement on the blower’s part, of course). His voice has always been the strongest determining factor as far as Brand New Sin’s appeal goes, and for the first time it seems he really, truly nailed what he’s been trying to do. Pure power that doesn’t sound forced, fused with generous grumpy melody, and belted out with no hesitation or self-doubt. Joe sounds less like a damn pro wrestler, and more like an actual singer even when he’s roaring for all he’s worth, remaining tuneful and smooth, soulful and emotional without losing any authentic might in the process. He gives Glenn Danzig a run for his money more than once when it comes to crooning, like on “The Proposition”, and Zakk Wylde only wishes he could pull off the burly melodies of “Old”, and the superb “See The Sun”. As good as Joe is, his compatriots aren’t far behind, and this whole album just reeks of quality.

Metal such as this isn’t known for sounding very sophisticated or mature, but in a strange way Tequila sounds like a soundtrack for adults who want to get together for some seriously decadent partying, without things degenerating into a childish fistfight, or shit getting broken. This isn’t just redneck music, in other words. If you liked them before, you’ll love them now, and this will be the record that knocks all the on-the-fence folks like me onto one side or the other, once and for all. Heavy, addictive, and makes you feel real warm and fuzzy. I don’t know how they did it, but Brand New Sin has managed to make a believer out of me, so pour out the shots and make it a double, no chaser, no lime. It’s fine just the way it is.

Release Details

Brand New Sin

Tequila

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