Ill Nino - The Under Cover Sessions Review
by Morley Seaver
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While the band toils away in the studio on their next record (to be released Spring 2007), they have served up a five-song EP to quench the thirst of their parched fan base. By all accounts, this is an excellent representation of the band, showing both of their strengths; the raw hammer-down sound mixed with their strong Latino flavor. There are two originals and the three covers that are included sound like the band could have written them. The first song is an Ill Nino cut, "Arrastra" and it starts off the record on a really high note. Vocalist Cristian Machado alternates between the growl and clean vocals to great effect. The bands pounds out the song which has a chorus that wouldn't sound out of place on a Linkin Park cut. The ferocious cover of Faith No More's "Zombie Eaters" just barely harnesses the controlled fury. Machado's versatile voice almost steals your attention but blends well with guest vocalist Chino Moreno for extra points. The jack-hammer guitars mixed with Danny Couto's urgent percussion. The other original "Reservation For Two" is a great melodic track that has a simply fantastic breakdown in the middle where the percussion and acoustic guitar change it up in fine fashion. "Red Rain" written by Peter Gabriel is given the Ill Nino facelift and the percussive elements really add a lot to the cut. Nirvana's "Territorial Pissings" ends up the same way. Two great originals and three unique covers make for a pretty good stop-gap between records. All the things you may love about Ill Nino are present here and they prove their versatility by taking on three radically different songs. Here's hoping spring comes quickly!
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Ill Nino - The Under Cover Sessions Label:Cement Shoes Records Rating:
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