CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Unknown Component
“The Infinite Definitive”
Independent release
Unknown Component is the one-man band of Iowa City’s Keith Lynch, a young, multi-tasking musician, who last week celebrated the release of his new album, “The Infinite Definitive,” with a performance at Mars Cafe. Those who attended the show saw Lynch’s solo, singer-songwriter side, which is at the core of his electronic, full-band, new album. But they might have missed Lynch’s versatile musicianship as he played guitar, bass, drums and piano on “The Infinite Definitive.” Yet despite Lynch’s ability to play so many instruments reasonably well and write and arrange dark, sensitive indie-rock songs like “The Experience of Understanding” and “Every Measure and Space,” his seventh self-released album suffers a bit from lackluster production, and at times, uninspired vocals that don’t quite match the intensity and feeling of the song’s instrumentation. Still, Lynch shows promise. CV
(For tour dates, visit www.unknowncomponent.com.)
Hank Williams III
“Rebel Within”
Curb Records
For years, hellbilly Hank Williams III has been taking flak for the repetitive themes (drinking, drugs, rebellion) that keep popping up on his albums, including his latest, “Rebel Within.” But anyone who has listened to his legendary grandfather and father knows that such true tales of decadence are a family tradition. (Besides, isn’t there enough candy-ass crap on country music radio and television today to keep naysayers occupied if they don’t like what Hank III is putting down?) Better yet, those who doubt Hank III’s ability to mature as an artist haven’t heard “Rebel Within’s” contemplative, tear-in-your-beer ballads “Lookin’ For A Mountain” and “Gone But Not Forgotten.” Thankfully, though, outlaw country songs like “Gettin’ Drunk and Fallin’ Down,” “Rebel Within” and “Tore Up and Loud” prevail on “Rebel Within” and continue to define one of country music’s baddest outlaws. CV
(Hank Williams III plays Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. at People’s Court. $20.)
