Search - Small Brown Bike :: The River Bed

Not a review at all

EricCoon | Southwest Michigan | 09/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About 4 years ago at a Chicago Cubs game, the guy sitting next to me was really drunk. He insisted that I listen to a band called Small Brown Bike and read Kurt Vonnegut. About 2 years ago I did a little search on SBB, and it just so happened they were playing a Kalamazoo, MI show that night. Keep in mind I had never heard one note of their music. Me and some friends (they're into strictly punk,) made the hour drive to see them at a little coffee shop. We were really hyped and surprised at the same time to see the bands walking around and talking to everyone. Being only into big rock bands, this was a big shock to me. Anyways, the show was like nothing I'd experienced before and will never again. The Casket Lottery opened for them, and they we're also amazingly powerful. Sorry if all this sounds vague, I'm not much of a writer. Too make a long story short, I had a short convo with Mike after the show, and I think it was then that I realized the beauty of indie rock. SBB was a gateway for me in the fact that they opened my mind and ears to stuff that wasn't popular. Now most of what I'm into is music not alot of people hear about. I was fortunate enough to see SBB's last show at Fireside Bowl, and it was pretty sad, alot of people were crying and I guess before then I hadn't realized how much of an inpact they had on people from all over the country (some came all the way from Utah). Everyone I introduce to SBB's music isn't really impressed by it. I guess you'd have to go see a show of theirs. Maybe they will have a reunion 5 years down the road, who knows. I sure hope so."

If I walk out right now, will it make you stop...

A. Kohler | Louisville, KY | 09/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is amazing. That's the most influential thing I can say, and the best description of this album I can give. The River Bed is one of those records that you can put on and just listen to over and over. It flows very well, and is a perfect mixture of punk/rock/hardcore and a few other generes. The bass playing really stands out, because unlike most bands, Small Brown Bike chose to make it a vital and audible part of the music. Most bands never let the bass seep through all the guitars and drums, but throughout this record the bass is clearly audible. This is a rock record in every sense of the word, and there is no pigeon holeing or catagorizing this record, or the band. This record rocks, but not as much as previous SBB releases. I've got to be honest, this is the first record I've owned by this band, and it has won me over. My order for their older material is on it's way to No Idea Records right now as we speak. A masterpiece, a beautiful rock record if there ever was one. There's just something about this record that strikes a chord in my soul. And even if it doesn't touch you, it will rock you. And you will enjoy it."