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CD review: Transplants – Haunted Cities
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Harder punk rock is overcome by rap and hip-hop in the new Transplants album, “Haunted Cities.” The second record by the California-based side project mixes the likes of Rancid guitarist Tim Armstrong, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, and is led by the aggressive voice of Rob Aston, a former sound roadie for Rancid.
Now headliners on this summer’s Vans Warped Tour, the clashing underground combo is supporting their new album. A timely release, “Haunted Cities” explores the outreach of underground music in a rising fashion.
From fast guitar riffs and rhythmic drums, to the vibrating soul of spirited music, the band covers a new angle of rock. Wildly different than a punk compilation, the overtones of West Coast punk are everywhere, and rapping lyrics make this one of the most unique albums of the summer.
Going a different direction than 2002’s self-titled album, Transplants have halted the norm to produce an up-tempo album with mild beats. An exception from one demographic is mixed with the next and “Haunted Cities” holds no genera in music.
Having what seems to be a good formula for a great side band, the record emulates the diversity of its members.
From a rapping talent to underground gutter punk, the backbone is top-40 power rock and combined they create an original powerhouse.
Originally on the Hellcat record label (an offshoot of Epitaph records) the band came about with Armstrong jamming in his free time with Aston.
A few jam sessions, and the two united with Blink drummer Barker and recorded an album in Armstrong’s basement in 2001.
Now temporarily on Virgin records, the Hellcat sound makes a cameo on “Haunted Cities.” With plans to go back to Hellcat in the near future, (which Armstrong reportedly owns half of) the larger label has made Transplants a forerunner in a matchless race of original sound.
Now with a larger following, Transplants have moved past just punk rock and concentrate on impersonal lyrics and steady nihilism in “Haunted Cities.” As if Sublime was taken over by Suicidal Tendencies, the new record exhibits a knack for quality in new underground music.
Danny McNeese / Culture Writer
