The Bleedin Bleedins
Life Without Computers
2005

Based on what the Bleedin Bleedins are bringin’, one might believe that they were releasing their third album and not their debut.  These three guys have a thick press kit, polished casual looks, and a single rumbling around the charts in Ireland.  For a local rock band, that’s quite something if you’re not dubiously named the Click Five.  (Shudder.)  Regardless, with a band name that at least gives a notion of severe bloodletting, one had to figure these guys were set to rock.

The opening track “Tonight” blistered out of my speakers and, coupled with the “Darkest Day” tune following it, provided the best 1-2 punch of the album.  The rapid drumming and dual vocals of the former’s chorus is an excellent beginning, whereas the onrush of guitar and drums in the latter build up an even bigger rush.  These two tracks alone got me thinking that the Bleedins were here to rock out the next seven tunes.  For the most part this was true, though the safe, slower tempos of “Weather” and “Don’t Stop City” sorta killed the initial buzz.  However, before the Eject button could be pressed, the Bleedins pop out a few very good ones at the end, with “Running Again” leaving the listener with a lot of stored up adrenaline (despite the “Epic”-like piano ending.. hmmm).

Overall, the Bleedin Bleedin’s debut disc is a promising effort and is a welcome addition to the Boston rock scene.

-- Evan Mauser