On
Specula's debut full-length album,
Erupt, the band approaches their classic garage rock from a different angle: there's no bassist or drummer. It's not really a "band." Instead it's a duo, who go by aliases and play instruments of their own creation (such as the biofeedbacker, magic horn, & procto guitar). They completely forego any bass on the album, but employ drum loops from none other than Blackie O. (
Urge Overkill) and Mike Zelenko (ex-
Material Issue) for their compositions. This all may sound strange, but the music ends up sounding a lot like early-'70s proto-punk (
Stooges,
T. Rex,
New York Dolls) with vocals similar to
John Kay of
Steppenwolf. The group supplies lots of intimidating attitude for songs like "Hello Pain," "Forever Loving You," and "Stand By," strutting along fiercely. But the duo is not limited to glitter rock sounds -- the album's instrumental closing track, the moody, buzzing "Dual," puts to good use their freakish original instruments. Due to the album's short duration (barely over 30 minutes long),
Specula hits you with their homemade rock and runs. ~ Greg Prato