Review of 2007 Self Titled "Camshaft" Release

     Camshaft:  A shaft (straight bar for transmitting motion) bearing integral cams (disk or cylinder having an irregular form).  Appropriately on their self titled CD, Braden Patchett (vocals), Mark Finckel (guitars, currently with Krynos), Damian Thompson (bass) and Tony "Crash" Carter (drums, currently with Enemy by Mourning) are decked out in their best Goodwrench Service uniforms - being a NASCAR fan, the late, great Dale Earnhardt immediately comes to mind, but that's beside the point.  The lyrics and the heavy southern rock feel of the music are exactly what you would expect with this image, however there are also some surprises showing their diversity.

     We are introduced to "Dead Cat" with a voice mail message from the police department informing us that the music is too loud.  This song is set in a minor key with a steady drumbeat, but there is nothing melancholy about it.  The pace actually quickens during the lyrics, "Eye spy a spy, I think that eyes believe, why did you try to deceive" suggesting anger within the typically upbeat mood of the song.  "Jumpstart the Joules" is just fun, it has a really catchy beat that sticks with you.  "Run for Your Guns" experiments with unique instrumental effects mimicking guns, and with the lyrics being a blend of the old west meets Mayberry, they fit perfectly. 

     "Empty Brown Bottle" is an instrumental, and I realize this is a bold statement, but I would put this in the category of Metallica's "The Call of Ktulu", Def Leppard's "Switch 625" and Black Sabbath's "E5150".  They did a really good job on this one, cool track.  "High Heat Candygirl" starts out a little like Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" with an awesome drum introduction, but then leads into something more similar to Blackfoot's "Train Train", once again proving that Camshaft doesn't fit into a specific genre, they truly have one of their own. 

     "Even After Days" slows things way down, being a story of honesty gone wrong, leading to the demise of a friendship and working relationship.  Braden really adjusts his vocals to fit the somber tone of the story, and you can almost feel the tension in the room as his band mates follow suit. 

     This 10 track CD isn't available anymore unfortunately, but luckily you can find some of their videos on youtube!  Of course you can see Crash tearing it up with Enemy by Mourning and Mark with Krynos, so definitely check their bands out!