Neil Freese, September 1999

Straight out of Gilroy, California comes Salmon. An eclectic band that has been entertaining fans for years but has yet to gain the attention and recognition that they deserve.

On Paco, Drop the Chicken, Lawrence Martinez, Aaron Goodwin, Pat Ruiz, and Tom Walker hit you with a sound that is unmistakably Salmon. The bass hits deep and carries the songs, while the guitars are not too loud, straying from distortion in favor of a more melodic, happier sound. Ruiz is an excellent drummer, and does more than just carry a beat; he exhibits skills and quickness that make him worthy of the spotlight. But the spotlight is definitely on Martinez. Lawrence flows incredibly smooth and quick with dope lyrics and a "knack" for enlightening fans with his oddly salmonesque antics.

The untitled 4 song EP more of the same. "Points" and "Ban the Neg," are two songs that hit hard, reminiscent of older hits such as "Q," "Rubberhead," and "Bantamburgh." In August 1998, they broke up for personal reasons, but shortly after reassembled themselves and picked up about where they left off, playing a shitload of local shows in the San Jose/SF and Sacramento areas.

This band is quite a catch. If you are able to catch Salmon in concert, you definitely wont be disappointed. It is tough to get the older disc, Paco, but is available on some websites in mp3 format. The 4 song EP is available for sale in mp3 format and on CD from http://www.mp3.com. Contact salmon or visit their website at http://www.loudside.com/salmon.

TRACK LISTS

1. Q
2. Star Flakes
3. Voltron
4. Bantamburgh
5. Pedastool Break
6. Rubberhead
7. 7
8. falling, Giving, being
9. The Knack
10. Dome
11. Punk Like Me

4 song EP

(Old Version)

1. Livermore
2. Points
3. Screwfaces Bind (Paws Articulate)
4. Ban The Neg

(New Version)

1. Ban The Neg

2. Livermore

3. Screwfaces Bind (Paws Articulate)

4. Points