Singer Scott Matalon of former Boston bands Squid and Modern Art has created new sound with his ambitious group, Daisycutter. Their new self-titled album is an edgy mix of synthesizers, clever guitar riffs, catchy drumbeats and danceable bass riffs that combines electronica, rock, synth-pop and rap into a distinctive sound that any listener can appreciate. "Just kiss me/Tell me that you love me/Tell me that you need me/Never Let me go," Matalon coos on the fifth track "Big Wet Kiss." It is emblematic of the kind of attention this band is looking for. The lyrics are fun and carefree, concerned with partying and women for the most part. The band is garrulous and brash. On tracks like "Dead Finger," the band shows off all of its talent, with soaring guitar riffs and solos reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The bouncy, playful rhymes compel one to get up and dance, or get in the mosh pit and hit someone.
The first song, "Do the Nasty," is the most successful in capturing exactly what this band is trying to accomplish. Matalon's lyrics come swiftly but slightly silly-sounding, as he raps through the steady bass vibes provided by Johnny Pietrantoni and the clever guitar work of Mike DeAngeles. Synthesized electronica gives the song a fresh sound without sounding kitschy, and an electronic interlude mid-song holds up against the other instruments' sounds. Scott's brother Craig Matalon provides hard rock sensibility as the drummer, complementing the musicianship of the rest of the band.

"Jet Set," the second song on the album, achieves pleasant noise level with its hard guitar rhythm, though the rapping becomes a bit grating by song's end. The song is at its most exciting point when Matalon bellows, "Jet set outta here!"

The next track, "Without You," a more subdued, laid-back song, is a welcome addition. "I've been waiting for the right one/I take a breath and light one" Matalon admits through heavy sighs. The song doesn't achieve anything spectacular, but it's definitely the kind of music you can put on at a party in your dorm room as background music.
One of the album's more pleasant surprises is an inspired version of The Beatle's "I Am The Walrus." Though remarkably true to the original, Daisycutter is able to pull off one of my favorite songs with flair and style. The guitar really kicks in during the track in a big way, and the synth-pop sound gives the song a modern, hip sound. Matalon's voice is well-suited for Lennon's verbal gymnastics, and you can almost hear the smile he must have had on his face when this song finally came together. It's a song that really highlights what Daisycutter has set out to do with its music, and I think it is pulled off with success.

The album has a feeling of cohesion and musical identity, yet each song is memorable in its own way. Though not revolutionary, the band displays a lot of true musical talent and is able to create its own unique sound that I was able to enjoy. For fans of hard rock and electronica, Daisycutter will be a welcome addition to the Boston scene and to your music collection.