Here is one of those discs that left me wishing I would have heard it closer to its original release date. In 2009, Detroit's Category 5 issued Off the Ivory Coast, a 25-minute EP of solid American rock 'n' roll — nothing fancy, with straight-ahead titles like "Home Again," "Party If You Want To" and 7 Daze Warning." But this five-song set packs more emotion and enthusiasm than many other bands we cover on Sea of Tranquility. Perhaps that's because cover songs pay the bills for Category 5 — and cover bands need to at least feign emotion and enthusiasm. But based on Off the Ivory Coast, I'd love to hear more original material from these guys.
Perry Zaremba has the perfect rock-star voice, and lead guitarist Joe Czentnar played in Twist of Fate, a melodic-rock/metal band that released an acclaimed album called New Skies in 1998. Particularly impressive is the leadoff rocker "Lost in Legacy" — an arena-sized blast from the past. Unfortunately, the slower-paced "Home Again" and "I Wonder" don't quite live up to the EP's initial promise, but then along comes "Party If You Want To," merging tribal beats, sax and harmonica into a noisy but unlikely anthem. And closer "7 Daze Warning" recaptures the glory of "Lost in Legacy."
Track Listing:
1) Lost in Legacy
2) Home Again
3) I Wonder
4) Party If You Want To
5) 7 Daze Warning
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