Weight
Rollins Band
BMG Records
Reviewed by Jon Land
The Rollins Band's latest album has been the biggest mover on the US university, alternative and metal radio play lists since release in mid-April. Formed in the mid-'80s out of seminal punk band Black Flag, the Rollins Band and front man Henry Rollins have developed a cult following in North America, Australia and Europe. If you're into the sort of music that makes your cat scratch up the carpet, this is the band for you.
The no-messing-around approach and sound of the band are refreshing, loud and rocky, winning many fans over the years. Weight is the Rollins Band at their best and is sure to win more converts to their hard guitar style and punchy singing.
The album begins with "Disconnect", a stealthy intro to the rest of the songs. It's one of my favourites with memorable lines like: All the things they're saying, doing/ It overloads me/ Too much static/ I want to disconnect myself/ Pull my brain out and go deep inside/ I want to pull it out.
The other titles which stand out are the single release "Liar" and "Shine", a song about taking control of your life and standing up for what you believe in.
Most of the songs centre on the feelings of alienation, frustration and anger that we all experience. While calling on people to empower themselves and reclaim their self-esteem, Rollins' approach concentrates on the individual, rather than the system and institutions that create these feelings. It's a revolution of the mind and emotions rather than the world around us that's stressed in the lyrics.
This is definitely not an album for those who prefer easy listening. However, if you are one of the many that after a crappy day at work or in the classroom, like to go home and purge your body with a blast from the stereo, give Weight a twirl and let it all out. (The Rollins Band will be touring Australia in May-June before playing at Woodstock '94.)