Pinkwater embodies a metallic angst first made popular by Alice In Chains and Tool; the sounds contained within this disc draw heavily from those sources, even going so far as to attempt to improve on them. Upon the first listen, I could've passed them off as knockoffs, but upon subsequent listenings through my trusty headphones, I began to discern subtleties I hadn't picked listening to it on my home stereo....the first thing I noticed is the clear vocal styling, an Alice In Chains-like thickness. I give credit to vocalist Jeff Limer for staying in key; not too many "indie" bands care too much for that anymore. There are no screams, just well thought out melodies and deep, churning rhythms.

I played with these guys once while I was in Redshift, and I wasn't all that impressed. This disc shows much growth since then, and I believe i f they continue along this path, they will come into their own. Pinkwater deserves a place in the growing legion of "heavy" Kansas City bands; I didn't say "heavy metal", because these guys are by no means metal, but their harder edge certifies them as part of the new breed of "the Kansas City sound" brought into focus by bands like: Stick, Paw, Molly MgGuire, and Season to Risk.

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Pinkwater promo shot