Search - Passive Aggressives :: Conflict Resolution

Best music on the planet

D. C. Lynch | san jose, ca United States | 12/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"San Francisco's the Passive Aggressives ([...]) certainly fit within that city's genre-defying musical history. This is a group that switches styles without fear, sometimes within the same track; only in San Francisco can you see a band this wildly eclectic and technically competent. To the narrow-minded corporate suits, the Passive Aggressives would come across as unfocused, but that is not the case at all. This is a group that pushes the envelope, slaying rock and roll conventions with the unbridled enthusiasm of Frank Zappa and Primus.



But what is perhaps most intriguing about the Passive Aggressives is that they deliver this oddball melange of hard rock, pop, funk, and prog with the sugar-sweet vocals of Keren Gaiser. It makes the Passive Aggressives' most sonically twisted experiments accessible to listeners who normally probably wouldn't be able to digest the quirkiness at play here. For example, the death-march percussion of "Not Perfect" might have been too dissonant for Joe Q. Public if not for Gaiser's angelic singing. She provides both a hook and a balance, creating a bridge between the schizophrenic detours of her bandmates.



Damian Lynch's bass playing is another key ingredient to the Passive Aggressives' overall sound. They throb like jackhammers on "All We've Got Is Now," shaking the walls with animal abandon as bluesy riffs and perky synthesizers add fuel to its sweltering groove. The metallic clang and pounding drums of "Soundtrack to the Voices in My Head" charges forth like a runaway bull. "Violeta" opens more slowly then picks up steam as Lynch's bass reaches its sweaty peak. Gaiser's voice often recalls Amy Lee of Evanescence, especially on "Don't Want to Be You," but they were never this challenging and cutting edge.



The group also tosses in a twisted cover of the Turtles' "Happy Together"; however, it's their original material that stands out here. And original is an apt word; nobody sounds like these lads. Only in San Francisco, yes.

-- Walter Sims (WHISPERIN & HOLLERIN)





If you want to hear some of the best music currently out on this planet, then The Passive Aggressives will completely blow you away. You will enjoy every beat, note, vocal, and everything else in between with their melodious tune and catchy lyrics. I recently completed an online interview with the four members of the group and had a blast.

-- Isaac Davis Jr (JUNIOR'S CAVE)



Those who feel there aren't enough women in rock who actually rock will want to take note of the Passive Aggressives, out of the San Francisco Bay Area. The quartet has a rocking, bass-heavy sound that is a refreshing throwback to the alt funk/rock/metal scene of the late '80s and early '90s. While their sound recalls certain artists from that era, it's hard to think of anyone on the modern music scene who compares with the Passive Aggressives. Vocalist Keren Gaiser, who once served in the Israeli military has some stellar pipes that sound great stretching over power trio grooves which provide a launching pad for her to belt it out, but don't force her to scream. The name of the band perfectly captures her vocal style, and it's an alluring one. Guitarist Jose Santiago has got chops and melody and really knows how to use a wah-wah pedal, while bassist Damian Lynch and drummer Tim Dayner have a tight chemistry.

--Bullzeye Magazine



Liquid, almost twangy female vocals front this rough and ready dry-punk outfit. The contrast catches the ear; the funky, hard rock song constructions and Raggedy-Ann-in-the-gutter grit retain it. This is a highly promising young band.

-- Jon Sobel - BC Magazine-



This is the real deal and I love it.



Hating on the Bush administration and Republicans in general is quite in vogue now. But this funky quartet bounces and weaves from cliches with their bass-laden alternative rock sound. You can tell this is one helluva good live band as their songs just jump right out of this album. The group isnt putting up a facade, this is the real deal and I love it.



- J-Sin of Smother Magazine



After seeing the title of this post, you might have thought that you were going to be reading about some sort collaborative project between Primus and Veruca Salt. That would be really cool, but you're getting something that's just as good and with just as hard a rock 'n roll punch: The Passive Aggressives. Plus, it's something new and unique, despite the similarities to the previously mentioned bands, which makes the music all that more interesting to listen to. The Passive Aggressives give the feeling that something is about big and angry is about to erupt.

-- Radio KRUD





As their name suggests, tempos changing from melodic to all out guitar lead aggression and back in a heart beat. This isn't a bad thing though, as it keeps your attention. Whatever label you want to throw on it, the bottom line is that it's fresh, different, and takes a stand.

-- Indie Music Stop



You're in for something different, a bizarre mix of rock and stomp that throws with the best of 'em. Keren and the boys have got it going on and then some.

-- Starr Tucker New York Waste Magazine

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