‘Time’ Lacks Originality, But Still Very Enjoyable

Mon., Dec. 11, 2000

Kathy Bula, East Valley

Christian emo-punk band Buddy Ruckus is a pretty impressive group to emerge from a city like Spokane. The band succeeds where so many of today’s rock and punk bands fail - they have strong vocals, their songs are melodic and they play their songs at a tempo so that you can actually understand the lyrics.

Their new CD on Substant Recordings, “Time Enough at Last,” demonstrates a level of musical sensibility superior to nearly all you’ll find on just about any radio station.

No, their lyrics aren’t groundbreaking. And no, none of the members is an absolute virtuoso.

What these guys have is coherence. Every note and every drumbeat falls perfectly into place with everything that’s going on around it.

It’s obvious that the band’s members share a vision of what their music should sound like, as well as a vision of their purpose.

It’s important to be forewarned, however, that the religious message of this band is absolutely inescapable. For those of the Christian persuasion, the lyrics are easy to relate to and enjoyable, if not necessarily original. But if you’re at all offended by Jesus-mongering, then this is definitely not a CD you’ll enjoy, despite its musical strong points.

Grade: A-

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