P.O.D. guitarist Marcos Curiel left (or was fired
from depending on who you ask) his multi-platinum
selling band while writing songs with drummer Ernie
Longoria and bassist Tony Delocht, both formerly of
Sprung Monkey. Not long after, they added fellow apostate
singer Pete Stewart, former vocalist and guitarist
of Christian grunge darlings Grammatrain. Blending
hard rock songs with Marcos’ characteristically
effects-laden riffs, Stewart’s distinct crooning,
Delocht’s tight bottom end, and Longoria’s
incredibly technical drumming (especially for basic
hard rock songs), The Accident Experiment fast caught
the attention of fans of the members’ former
bands. But in many ways, the new direction surpassed
their own successful pedigrees.
The Accident Experiment originally released this
gem in late 2003 independently. Rock Ridge Music reissued
it with two new tracks this past spring. Hopefully
more people can now hear the beauty that was AeX’s
debut E.P. Repackaged with two new songs, this is
a must have for any fan of hard rock. Previously unreleased
“Sad Girl” is an acoustic-based, emotional
roller coaster of a track reminiscent of Led Zeppelin
at their quietest. The other new song, “Sky’s
Your Home,” is a heavy, profound rocker. Lyrically
it seems to touch on the death of a child, possibly
referring to Heaven. This is unusual considering Stewart’s
current state of disbelief.
As the world knows, Curiel has returned to P.O.D
and is currently recording an album with them to be
released this fall. The Accident Experiment swears
this doesn’t spell the end of AeX, and I for
one truly hope they’re right. Get this album
to tide you over until next time.
Key Tracks: “Seeds Of Black,” “Song
For You,” and “Sky’s Your Home”
are probably the standouts, but the entire disc is
great.
Reviewed by Chad Olson
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