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 Underrated Metal July 23, 2003 |
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Sometimes a band is a victim of its own success. One song, either fairly or unfairly, categorizes them forever. Ironically, Saigon Kick, a band who encompassed a wide
range of musical styles on their four albums, was one such victim. The result was an under-appreciated, and underrated career.
So you don't remember Saigon Kick? Maybe you remember their hit song, "Love Is On the Way." This excellent anti-power ballad featured acoustic guitars, vocal
harmonies, and some cymbal-like effects. The percussion consisted solely of a deeply buried hi-hat. It certainly didn't sound like Slaughter's "Fly To the Angels" or the
Firehouse hit, "Love Of A Lifetime," but it was a very moving and emotional song. For those who didn't purchase 'The Lizard,' "Love Is On the Way" defined Saigon Kick.
t's the remainder of the catalogue that is vastly underrated.The beauty of Saigon Kick was that as you listened to any of their albums you couldn't be sure what was coming next. They were certainly not a typical metal act, and consequently, the array of styles is difficult to describe. There were nasty riffs and shredding solos from lead guitarist Jason Bieler, effects and percussion-driven tracks, mid-tempo semi-rockers, songs that I can only describe as demented pop music, and the occasional acoustic track. "My Life," from their self-titled debut, featured kazoos playing the melody from the song's verse, where one would expect a guitar solo. A little more off the wall than your standard early 90's metal band. The Saigon Kick musicians were talented and extremely creative, especially Bieler who received the majority of the musical and lyrical writing credit. I cannot emphasize the top-notch guitars enough, regardless of the song's style. In addition, the vocal harmonies, which are featured consistently throughout, are outstanding and tie the Saigon Kick sound together. The stylistic variation as well as the sometimes humorous (and many times dark) lyrics showed the band's creative genius. Who else would have a hard-hitting track with the lyrics, "My dog was walking down the street, minding its own business, and a f-ing cop came and ran him over"? You may be wondering, are these guys even metal? Take a listen to "Peppermint Tribe," "One Step Closer," and "Killing Ground," and you'll no longer be confused. These songs each feature heavy riffs backed with killer distortion. "One Step Closer" is Bieler at his best. The harmonic completes the Zakk Wylde feel, and the solo is masterful. "Killing Ground" features the perfect, in-your-face, heavy riff. Metal? Indeed!
Saigon Kick's career spanned the post-hair band, grunge dominated era of 1991-1995, so that may explain their obscurity. But if you love metal, and can handle some
stylistic variation, pick up a copy of any of their albums today.
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Peppermint Tribe
