CLEANSE
"Take the Pain Away"
4 out of 5 meerkats.
By Neil Freese September 1999
Upon hearing this CD, it shattered my expectations for it. I really like the vibe that it conveys and it is much better than I imagined. With the exception of a few cliche aspects, such as a very straight ahead sound, Cleanse is a great band with excellent musicianship.
Though they sound influenced by "The Deftones/quasi hardcore thrash genre" (who isn't?), every new band out there sounds like someone who has done it all before. It is admittedly very hard to stray from your influences. Cleanse does a great job though, and the highlight of the disc is the airy guitar and the soaring vocals that add a sense of soulfulness to the band. The bass rattles, and yet it has a very good tone, and the guitar has numerous sonic layers that add a larger sound to the recording. Sonny, the vocalist, is quite good, but has a "Chino-ish" moan that is easily distinguished form his more harmonious scream, which is less scratchy and harsh than Chino's.
When reviewing local, independent bands it is easy to write them off as having less talent than established bands. But this is not always the case and Cleanse is a local band that has a great deal of talent. I've heard rumors that their guitarist has left the group, but I am not completely sure about it; If that is the case it is a shame because the group chemistry of Cleanse works well. Either way, I give props to Cleanse for being damn good and I hope you all like them too (so that I'm not the only one) . . . Pick up the CD at DIMPLE RECORDS in Sacramento.
visit Cleanse online at http://www.cleanse-it.com
Let me know what you think of them---