Issue date: 11/22/02 Section: Entertainment

There seem to be so many record reviews to choose from this issue. So so many! Which is the right one for you? Not wanting to add to the confusion, here are a few more, just to cloud the water. Instead of getting just one, cohesive, truly beautiful and stunning review from me, you'll get a bunch and wish you had never started reading. And not just reviews of albums! So without further preciousness on my part…

A Problem of Alarming Dimensions-My Uncle is a Republican, My Aunt is a Democrat, My Cousin is Anorexic EP

Often chaotic, often soft, often loud, often mellow, yet always highly enjoyable, The Problem of Alarming Dimensions' debut EP, shows incredible promise for a young band. While not inexperienced in the least bit (members have formerly been in Arkansas favorites Faulkner and Figure Five), they still show some growing pains that can be expected with being together for only a few months in this incarnation. However, this statement can only be realized after seeing one of the live shows, which seem to be where this band really shines. On tape, the band tackles four songs, which weave back and forth from melodic to aggressive, all heavy on the auxiliary sounds of samples and feedback. Actually, one of the stronger points of Problem shows is their ability to properly use samples to compliment, not cover up, the music. The twenty odd minutes seem long for four songs, but for this particular band, it's not nearly long enough. I am highly anticipating a full album from these pedal-gazing rockers who live down the street. Pick it up at Blank Generation, on Oak st.



Hot Hot Heat- Make Up the Breakdown.

Want to be on top of one of the biggest things in the indie scene? Recalling Gang of Four and early '80s punk, Hot Hot Heat puts out a warm album that'll have you humming and rocking your head back and forth. Hailing from Canada, Hot Hot Heat recall the frantic vocal deliveries of Les Savy Fav, the jangly and abrasive guitar of Gang of Four, and the pop sensibility of a Very Emergency Promise Ring. Oh my God, did I just give the P-Ring some props? Perhaps. Hey kids, wanting to break out of that embarrassing "emo" phase and on to some real adult music? (Yeah, I did just say that. Offended? Go cry about it, you baby.) Try this album. It serves as a good transition from your bland and generic "emotional" music to some good old-fashioned rocking. Hmm, I'm reading here and it turns out that the success of this album has already caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records…and they've signed with them. Oh well. There goes your chance at indie cred. Go back to your Jimmy Eat World or whatever the hell it is you people listen to these days.

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