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THE CRAZY IVANS

Dive! (Self-released)

A A A Comments (7) By Alan Ayo Thursday, Mar 4 2010

While The Crazy Ivans seem to have the pieces in place to be an entertaining live rock band—aggressive raw guitar riffs, a capable vocalist, etc.—the challenges presented in a recording studio can be a whole other ugly animal. The problem here? This band has trouble writing good songs.

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It's easy to think your originals rock when you play them live. All that energy and volume (and alcohol) can often glaze over real songwriting shortcomings that the recording can really bring out. "My Favorite Song," with its lyrics "In the morning when I wake/I put on my favorite tapes/Splashin' cold water on my face," seems forced and shallow, and doesn't seem to dig deep enough to be even remotely compelling.

Not all hope is lost here, though. There are bright moments of frenetic, '70s punk guitar and some emotive, early-Berlin vocals, like on "Frequency," the LP's strongest point without question.

But these are just fleeting moments. And, as often is the case, Dive! will likely serve more as a learning experience for The Crazy Ivans than anything. —Alan Ayo

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Rebel Elle 03/09/2010 3:33:00 PM

I personally LOVE this album. I have not stopped listening to it since I got it. It's different but lots and lots of fun. It's packed with simple and fun lyrics, the kind that get stuck in your head. Those are my favorite kind. They make simple sound HELLA good. I'm tired of lyrics where you have to get a freaking thesaurus out to even understand what the song is talking about. We need more fun bands like this in Dallas.

Wes 03/08/2010 6:02:00 PM

I actually really like this band. I've only seen them live once so far, but I have the CD & think is fantastic. It's got a great mix of heavy and light sounds, some catchy and some thought-provoking lyrics. Truely something for everyone. Personally, My Favorite Song is one of my favorites. :) By the way, you quoted it wrong.

Pete 03/08/2010 3:13:00 PM

Agreed. Lyrics about putting on tapes, enjoying other people's music, going to concerts - totally shallow. I only like songs about hating things, zombies, and period blood. I do like that one Voodoo though - 1 bleeding heart, 7 chicken heads, stuck in a black pot boiling hot mixed round to animate the dead. Swwet!

krystle 03/08/2010 2:36:00 AM

My friend introduced to the band and I absolutly loved it!!!klge

darrell 03/08/2010 2:33:00 AM

This band is origional and I really dig it.mxdl

kat 03/08/2010 2:29:00 AM

I happen to disagree , the lyrics are what made me get into the music and I can relate to the songs which is seriously hard to find. I listen to the crazy ivans because they have true talent and potential to get even better.