Magma, rocks and lava; these are things you’d expect to find at the centre of the earth. Some believe hell is located there, which is possibly where Earwig recorded this album. The Columbus, Ohio trio which consists of singer/guitarist Lizard McGee, bassist Rich Cefalo and drummer Justin Crooks don’t market themselves as Christian rock, but give it one listen and it’s apparent.
The opening track, "Used Kids", starts with a dubbed narration of the beginning of a journey - to the centre of the earth I would presume. The distorted drums that follow present the song as poised to rock, but no. Many tracks on the album begin in the same vein, a short burst of a hard riff, only to descend, feeding off a template of predicable college rock radio. The "Used Kids" chorus startled me to such a degree I ran for my crucifix; "They’re going home with Jesus tonight."
Most of Earwig’s third album is alt-rock candy-coated with religious undertones. The songs are well constructed but the lyrics are uninspiring. The second track and subsequent single, "She is a Witness", again seems strangled with rosaries and the video available on Youtube is so amateurish its cringe inducing.
However, Jesus did teach forgiveness and "Romatic_Dyslexic" does grant the band some reprieve. Overlooking the lyrics, they’ve crafted a well timed rock song. McGee’s guitar work flows and pulls at all the right moments.
The title track, which is only a minute and a half long, is a weepy ode to someone, maybe Jesus. Honestly the album could have done with out it.
The final track preaches about hating the sinner and not the sin. It’s strange that Earwig touts themselves as “the anti-next big thing”; sweet blasphemy!
Centre of the Earth is a lot like a communion wafer. Your lead to believe it’s anomalous and magical but it’s really flavoured cardboard.
- Used Kids
- She is a Witness
- Japanese Girlfriend
- Old Man's Cave
- Parked
- Seattle
- Red Heart
- Romantic/Dyslexic
- Outro
- Center of the Earth
- Cicada
- Deadwood
