Bronze

On its debut, the Bronze sets itself apart from the other bands drawing similar inspiration from the fusion of sludgy, heavy rock and thrash. Mixed in with the undeniable bite of these songs is a playfulness that suggests these guys are as much into having fun as they are into rocking. Fortunately, the production on this record captures that aspect of the band's sound rather than buries it. "Throw Up Instead" appears to be about purging your life of distractions, and it contains the hardest hitting solo section on the album. "Sex Drugs Rock 'N Roll" is equal parts late-'80s, Bay Area thrash and Spinal Tap. This collection of songs may flirt with musical excess, but it does so with confidence and an underlying sense of humor.