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(a part of the) Youthscene (column)By ANDY MELLENMax Webster - a four-piece Toronto group which sounds anything but Canadian - reveals a diverse array of influences on its premiere recording. The band's hard-driving, guitar-keyboard-dominated sound utilizes a lot of stock riffs, but still comes across as one of the more engaging hard rock sets from any recent Canadian band. The groups penchant for off-beat titles (Toronto Tontos, Here Among The Cats, Only Your Nose Knows) and equally strange lyrics is complemented by guitarist Kim Mitchell's emphatic vocalizing, reminiscent of an array of singers including Iggy Pop (on the album's lead-off cut, Hangover) and a number of British vocalists. Max Webster's blend of clever lyrics and no-holds-barred rock and rolling establishes it as an act to be reckoned with in the months ahead. |