Excuses For Skipping
Out of Work Early

Review by J. Darren Lee

[See Reviewer Rob’s video interview with the band at San Diego’s Ruby Room before their Beauty Bar show HERE.]

Back in the ‘90s, a huge amount of alternative rock bands sprang forth like weeds from the fields of rock. Some were one hit wonders, and others continued to flourish. At a time when grunge was just seeing the light of day from its growing pains during the ‘80s, Rock and Roll split into many diverse paths, all of which were stamped “alternative”. It was a great time of creativity in music seeded by the punk bands of the ‘70s/80s and acts such as the Cure in the 70s/‘80s. Major motion pictures such as the Crow (1994), which still is one of the best soundtracks ever, began to showcase an undertow of rock and roll that had been until then only enjoyed by a few. Excuses for Skipping’s springy guitars and lovely feminine vocals remind me again of this triumph of alternative rock in the ‘90s. That said, Excuses For Skipping has a sound that is both vibrant and new.

Excuses For Skipping is an all female alternative rock band foursome from San Francisco that has exploded onto the scene with their debut CD Out of Work Early. Influenced by the late ‘80s and early ‘90s alternative music gurus such as The Cure, and Sonic Youth, as well as English bands as diverse as the Kinks and Gang of Four, Excuses For Skipping is on the vanguard of a fresh, modern, and creative wave of new alternative music.

The title track “Out of Work Early” is a very bouncy, upbeat tune that reminds me of a fusion of two of my favorite alternative bands, Belly and Sonic Youth. Everything works in this song. From the vocals to the music itself; “Out of Work Early” is very balanced, tight, and a celebration of freedom.

Other songs such as “Denial of Disaster” and especially “See the Day” have a bit more darker sound and prominently feature this band’s musical and vocal talents, which are extraordinary. “Denial of Disaster” especially floods the listener in a very personal way, and no two listeners will have the same experience with the song. Each one will be left to the exploration and examination of their own life experiences. A song that can have such an impact on the listener is the mark of a great song in my opinion. “Denial of Disaster” is such a song.

Excuses for Skipping is made up of Linda Moody (guitar/vocals), Tammy Fortin (lead guitar/vocals), Wendy Brents (bass/vocals) and Sonya Trejo (drums). Their CD Out of Work Early can be obtained on the bands website at excusesforskipping.com or on their myspace site at myspace.com/xcuses4skipping.

Below: the band in San Francisco, photo by Merkley???:


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