antiMusic.com: The Compulsions - Laughter from Below (EP) Review

The Compulsions - Laughter from Below (EP) Review
by Gary Schwind

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I could make this review real easy for myself, because I can get right down to the nitty gritty in five words: This is rock and roll. However, you all know me better than that, so here goes. This is a band that probably grew up listening to a lot of Stones records. The guitar riff of "Down on the Tracks" kicks is reminiscent of "Love is Strong." And like some classic Stones, The Compulsions throw a little country ("My Favorite Wine") and some lowdown blues ("Howlin' for You") into their music.

But lest you think that this band is all about the Stones, I can assure you they are not. In general, The Compulsions are about big guitar riffs (a la the Van Halen-like riff in "Shake Hands with the Devil"), solid rhythms and strong lyrics. The band even dabbles in reggae with some serious grooves in the closer "Turn it On."

This six-song EP is a great sample of The Compulsions and it does what it's meant to do: namely, whet your appetite for a full-length album.

CD Info and Links

The Compulsions - Laughter from Below (EP)
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