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Album Details

• Artist: The Saint Alvia Cartel
• Album: The Saint Alvia Cartel
• Label: Stomp records
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2007-06-22

You may or may not remember Boys Night Out, the Canadian outfit. Robert
Pasalic was a veteran of that band and swore that he would quit music along with booze and drugs. When hit up by Greg Taylor (Jersey, Grade) he was easily sold on the idea of playing music again. Rounded out by Ben Rispin, Matt Richmond, Greg Fisher and Brandon Bliss The Saint Alvia Cartel was born.

Stomp Records quickly stepped in and signed the band. They ended up in the studio with Justin Koop to record their eponymous debut. Their sound is quite refreshing. You can tell these guys have punk/hardcore roots but they seem to have integrated a little reggae and roots into their sound to stick out. The way the vocals are shared really sets TSAC apart as well. They have a bit of a Rancid sound at times and at others they are too rock focused and try and gel towards a very accessible sound ("Try To Forget"). Even on "Time To Go" you would think Rancid was reaching for mainstream success. It's got a classic feel to it but it is primarily rock. Sometimes they border on cheese (album closer "Stones on the Road" is close) but I applaud them for trying something different.

So dismiss all of the bands hardcore-punk roots and check into what The Saint Alvia Cartel have to offer. This is great stuff.

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