All reviews by Joe.

Rating	Artist
	Big Ugly Guys (B.U.G.) - "Hot Nude Bugs!" Kansas City scene veteran Rio DeGennaro leads the march of the B.U.G.s into a new fray, mixing the Talking Heads with the Sex Pistols and the Clash to churn out americana/pop scribblings. B.U.G. rock is unique, and it takes a certain mindset to listen through all 15 tracks, but I guarantee you'll come out twisted beyond description, just like B.U.G.
	Cage - "Life Signs" Very groovy and rhythmically interesting, although I felt there was some repetitious parts that could be worked out. Cage seems like the type of group that excels live, where perhaps their recorded sound does them little justice. I detected some Black Sabbath, and if I had to compare them to somebody, it would be Sugartooth.
	Clatter - "Brood" A cool mixture of hard-edged rock guitar and pop vocals, a soulful alternative to the normal homegrown releases. I found Clatter to be extremely talented both as songwriters and musicians. There is something here for everyone - a treasure waiting to be plucked. Great Production as well.
	Compilation, The - Slumlord Productions local music compilation #1 Slumlord Productions intends to put Lawrence and Kansas City on the major label map, using the Compilation as his soapbox. This CD gets sent to labels and venues, in hopes of bringing recognition and shows to the bands contained within. This edition contains gems from the Glitter Kicks, the Switch, Nasa's Little Secret, the Black Water and many more talented and hard working local favorites. To be included on upcoming Compilations, visit the Slumlord site for contact information. A great sampler to introduce you to the local flavor.
	Exit 159 - "Lost on Earth" Frogpond alumni Kristie Stremel's power pop/punk sing-along machine. A heartfelt performance and one of those discs you'll find yourself singing along to in the shower. Very radio friendly, and crisply produced. Hotspots: Fly Far Away, Cigarette Kiss, Pieces.
	the Feds - "Demo '97" Funky and groovy, a little something for everyone here. Like the pitch says, it'll be surprise if these guys don't explode big in 1998, on a huge, national level. Clean vocals and a rich full sound reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (sorry, d. : ) ) or any funked up '70's groove machine. The sound isn't retro, it's very youthful and hip yet the songs are surprisingly mature and well arranged. Not so much technical that it isn't music to make you move, but musician types will appreciate the excellent skill included here. Very tight and beefy - expect good things from the Feds in '98. Hotspots: Hotty, Identity.
	Gooding - "Songs from the unrealized film script Factory Blue" I can only imagine the depth and complexity of the original script "Factory Blue" based on the carefully crafted tracks on Steve Gooding's (formerly of Safety Orange) newest release. Each dark, winding musical passage evokes bleak and sometimes painful imagery, coupled with a sense of long forboding. I hope the script is someday realized, as it would be tragic for this soundtrack to go uncomplimented with equally crafted visuals. Excellent Production, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards the abolishment of animal cruelty through non-profit organizations such as IDA and ALDF.
	Hign Society - "Burnt" Rage Against the Machine (without the power) meets Metallica with a little extra pop rock thrown in on the battlefield for a yet unattained trophy: the local/regional up-and-coming heavy/hard rock outfit. The gist of this is: our next release will be better, because we have some good ideas. Please come back then.
	Molotov Grasshopper - "Molotov Grasshopper" Dark and passively romantic in nature, Molotov Grasshopper is another band that excels live, whereas this disc does them no justice. The trade-off, point/counterpoint vocals between Ben Rekitke (sp) and Amy Wilson are well executed and emotionally charged. I've had the pleasure of playing with the Grasshoppers in the past, and I must say I wish they would perform more often. Great Production, although I wish the levels were higher.
	Nasa's Little Secret - "Perfect" Controlled chaos and moody reflection are NLS trademarks, yet this disc is surprisingly upbeat while still remaining true to the spacekid rock ethic - woven tapestries of sonic deluge and ambient, stereophonic experimentation. Not a band to miss live, this disc has effectively captured a few moments in the battle to bring new awareness to the spacerock scene. We are anxiously awaiting any form of new release or performance by Kansas City's answer to a rip in the space/time continuum.
	Paved In Skin - "Paved In Skin" When I mentioned to them that the Zone supported the local industrial scene, they replied "what scene?", and they may be right. However, for you industrial fans out there, heres the light at the end of tunnel for our scene. Glistening the same way as NIN's "Pretty Hate Machine" and every bit as moving, Paved In Skin have cornered the market long abandoned by Reznor and co. Despite the problems they had the night I saw them live, make an effort to catch these guys if you can, your smashed up brain will thank you. Hotspots: Flood, Murder.
	Presence - "Electric Playpen" Having seen Presence live, I was expecting great things from their release. I was somewhat disappointed when I listened. The live sound which has become a favorite of the growing Kansas City metal scene was missing. I found the songs repetitive and similar, and the production was flat and less pronounced than you would expect from a band who've opened for White Zombie. Catch them live if metal is your thing.
	Under the Influence - "What Is" Weaving through multiple genres (rock, soul, funk), UTI have come up with a sound unique to the scene. Full of nuances and little touches of brilliance, "What Is" rocks with cool sophistication. Great production that was a joy to listen to. Full of horns and other instruments to liven up a classic sound. If you're in the mood to groove, catch this disc and enjoy. If I had to say who they reminded me of at times, it would be the Black Crowes, although I'd hate to label these guys. Excellent.
	the Waxed Tadpoles - "Rock Wall Basement" 13 blistering alt.blues tracks. Shades of Jimi, SRV, Blues Traveller colour these rockin' tunes. Excellent Production allows for the many nuances to come through as you listen, and little added thrills litter these tracks and make for an enjoyable listening experience. These guys sound like they're having a great time, and seem to put forth a solid, unpretentious, down to earth groove. Hotspots: How, Mirror.

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