Late-'90s alternative competitors
Jimmie's Chicken Shack have returned with a new label, a new lineup, and a new, boldly serious stripe in their loudmouth funk metal. In fact, that stripe overtakes most of
Re.present. First single "Fallin' Out" is a collaboration with professional soul searcher
Aaron Lewis, who also contributes backing vocals. The song utilizes a template similar to
Lewis' work with
Staind as its meditates on addiction and hope. "Quitter" and "Dead Sleep" are more upbeat, suggesting the band's previous dalliances with metal and ska -- both turn on the cynical sense of humor very nearly branded by
the Offspring. "Happiness" and "Unshaken" are glowering, conventional post-grunge workouts, while late-album entries "Leech" and "Paper Dolls" return to the memorably chunky hooks and raucous spirit that permeated
Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope,
Jimmie's Chicken Shack's 1997 breakthrough. ~ Johnny Loftus