American Speedway - Ship Of Fools

Band: American Speedway
Album: Ship of Fools
Genre: Rock/Punk
Label: Prophase/MVD

Tracks:
1. Ship of Fools
2. American Speedway
3. One Foot In, One Foot Out
4. Far Behind
5. Drinkin' and Drivin'
6. Cocaine
7. Don't Tread on Me
8. Make Some Noise
9. No Control
10. Same Old, Same Old

If there is one thing I have taken away from my most recent review, it is that I need to invest in a sound-system that includes more than just my laptop speakers. That being said, if you plan on buying a copy of Ship of Fools, American Speedway’s debut album, I recommend trying it out at full volume in your car, while driving down the freeway.

Translation: Loud and fast settings are best accompanied with loud and fast music. Ship of Fools is the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll. With lyrical topics ranging from drinking to sex to fighting, American Speedway is doing what most punk bands have been doing for years -- playing what they like with no expectations. The album, generally speaking, is decent (and loud), and is likely to bring in a range of fans from the rock scene, the punk scene and the thrash scene.

The album starts of strongly with the title track, Ship of Fools. With quick drumming and guitar riffs that remind me of something I’d rock out to on Guitar Hero, American Speedway makes a good first impression. Add in raspy vocals, power chords and a powerful bass line and you’ve got the right formula for rock. This “magic” formula seems to take precedence throughout the remainder of the album, which is okay. Just as you think the album is slowing down a bit, with Cocaine, it speeds up about 30 seconds into the song. With a band collaboration of vocals screaming out “Cocaine! Cocaine! Cocaine!,” it’s not hard to imagine drunken kids beating each other to a bloody pulp in the pit. Sounds like fun, right?

My biggest criticism would be that after one or two songs, they all start to sound the same. I mean, I understand the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” concept but after about 25 minutes of the album, I couldn’t help but wonder if there would be any other side of the band’s music exposed. The best comparison I can give you is a cross between the MC5 and AC/DC. Overall, though, the album is pretty good. If you’re into the rock-out in your car type of punk, American Speedway is definitely worth checking out.


**Written by our contributing writer: Meaghan Allen**
GRADE: 7/10
WEBSITE