MACK „Self-Titled”

Music: Punk/Classic Rock
Website: www.jason-mackenroth.com
Country: U.S.
Duration: 35:37 ( 9 songs)
Cool Songs: Welcome Wasted Again, Torn into Two, 3’ Some

MACK is a musical project led by former ROLLINS BAND drummer, Jason Mackenroth. It’s not a coincidence that Mackenroth would dub this band the abbreviated form of his own name because this CD affords him a chance to showcase his musical talents. Just like ROLLINS, Mackenroth plays the drums, but he also gets a chance to show off his vocal, guitar, and bass talents with a couple other musicians lending a hand. Mackenroth not only uses this band to highlight his broad musical talents, he also gets a chance to pay homage to the bands he grew up with. The disc’s linear notes explain, “Credit must be given to the power and energy of the music itself. To all the musical minds that find each other and make the magic happen. I commend the believers and salute the masters.” The next line says “Rock and Roll” in large, red font. By saluting the masters of Rock ′n Roll Mack must be referring to the punk bands from the ‘70s and early ‘80s like BLACK FLAG, FEAR, and most notably THE STOOGES. He might also be pointing to '70s hard rock acts such as DEEP PURPLE, and KISS. It was the “power” and “energy” of these bands that persuaded musicians like Mackenroth to first pick up a guitar or drum stick.

The album’s first track, ‘Welcome Wasted Again’ is the type of beer-fueled anthem made legendary by FEAR. The chorus rises and falls like the neighborhood bum after purging his “lunch.” John Kuker, who plays lead guitar for most of the album, delivers an out-of-control guitar solo near the end of this track.

‘On and On’ features a hard rockin’ guitar groove in the tradition of '70s rock masters like BLUE OYSTER CULT and KISS. More classic rock majesty is performed on the AC/DC inspired number “Dry County Shakedown.” Mack and the boys display more guitar magic with the finger burning fret work of ‘Torn into Two.’

The disc reaches its “climax” during THE STOOGES-like orgy anthem, ‘3’some.’ This last track shows MACK in its crudest form, spilling vulgarities like Peter North during a money shot. The track’s first verse yells, “You tell me you want to fuck me/you got a pussy, I got a cock.” The chorus is sung as a team, “come on girl let’s have a…THREESOME.” It’s not very hard to figure out the point of the whole song. The end of the track features a swinging-sexy country western instrumental passage that may have been used before in '70s or early '80s cowboy-themed pornos like “Debbie Does Dallas III” or “The Wangelers.”

note: 7/10

Tracklist

1. Welcome Wasted Again
2. Going for the Thrill
3. Mystified
4. On 'N On
5. Torn in Two
6. Lost
7. Wild Hot Wind
8. Dry County Shakedown
9. 3'Some

Line-up

Jason Mackenroth; Vocals, Drums
Jacques Wait; Bass, Vocals
John Kuker; Guitar, Vocals
(Note, this is MACK's live lineup. Jason Mackenroth plays all instruments on this record with an occasional guest appearance.)