Review: Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 2 of 2” [EP]

Alternative Rock

The Research Turtles come back out of their shell with the second part of their “Mankiller” EP set (the first is reviewed here). This follow-up was planned for a 2011 release, but the band admitted to some delays due to rising recording costs and reduced income from touring. I am sure fans were waiting with bated breath as “Mankiller Part 1” was so good. In short, Part 2 doesn’t impress as quickly as Part 1, but there are a couple gems not to miss. “Guy Like Me” sets the stage on Part 2, a haunting acoustic complement to the opening “Girl Like You” track from Part 1. “Break It Up” and “Space” are more upbeat and true to form for Research Turtles – solid songs, but not particularly memorable. The saving grace here is the outstanding track called “Into You”. “Into You” is a hugely catchy slice of pop rock – simple but amazingly addictive and a blast to play again and again. Research Turtles definitely hit a home run with “Into You”.

The band is making all of its music available in the form of FREE downloads on the web site below, along with Jud Norman’s new solo album, as of October 18.

Research Turtles – Official site.

Review: Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 1 of 2” [EP]

Modern rock
We last heard from the Research Turtles in August of 2009 with their self-titled debut album (review here). They’re crawling back now with a new EP called “Mankiller Part 1 of 2”. The time in-between has been spent relentlessly supporting their initial release, scoring opening slots for bands as varied as Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sister Hazel, and Candlebox. The hard work has served them well – the Research Turtles were the winners of the 2010 Record of the Year Contest by Radio Six International in Great Britain (for the song “Let’s Get Carried Away”) and voted the 2010 “Best Band in Louisiana” by Lagniappe Magazine. Another recent change is the addition of a new guitarist/vocalist, Joseph Darbonne.

After a sparse yet attention-grabbing intro (“Girl Like You”), which showcases the naked beauty of their vocals minus the crunchy guitars for a moment, the EP kicks into high gear with a staple for this band, “You Are So”. This feisty little tune is an irresistible fun time rocker with sunny guitar leads and a breezy break in the middle. Great dynamics and strong performances throughout. “Bugs In A Jar” is sedated, but engrossing, with moody verses and a captivating lyric. As cool as it is, I’m not sure I would have put it out as a first single to introduce folks to the band, as it is more of a grower than most of the other tracks here. “Mankiller” has a great Romantics feel to it, bristling with energy and a tongue-in-cheek attitude, and the grungy “Rhinestone Gal” resembles early Stone Temple Pilots. “Rhinestone Gal” also features one of the sweetest melodic breaks I’ve heard this band pull off to date…my current favorite off the EP.

What is most noticeable about this five song collection is the remarkable diversity of musical styles you experience in such a short period of time. “Mankiller Part 1” will be out May 31, 2011, with “Part 2” to follow later this year. In the meantime, why not head on over to their web site and download the first single, “Bugs In A Jar”, for free (until May 31)?

Research Turtles on MySpace. Official site.

Free mp3: Research Turtles

This news just in from Research Turtles (see our review of their record here).

"The Research Turtles new website was launched yesterday: click here

For the time being, we are giving away free downloads of our new CD."

Review: Research Turtles "Research Turtles"

Back in August the young Louisiana band Research Turtles released their self-titled debut CD. The band is composed of brothers Jud Norman (vocals and bass) and Joe Norman (guitar and vocals), as well as Logan Fontenot on lead guitar, and Blake Thibodeaux on drums and percussion. A very cool name for a band that I trust is a great conversation starter, but can these inquisitive terrapins rock?

Rock they can, but in a raw and indie garage way, mixing some moments of melodic pop with downright gritty guitar and near slacker production. Kind of like early Fountains of Wayne meets Foo Fighters. Most of the songs are pretty good, but some are nondescript, and one had me reaching for the fast forward button (the plodding "The Riff Song"). The highlight for me was the "wake you up with a slap in the face" opening track, "Let's Get Carried Away". Other standout tracks include the slower "Kiss Her Goodbye", which has a neat Cars-inspired keyboard riff and subtle harmonies, and "Tomorrow", which has a breezy reggae feel sandwiching a catchy power pop chorus. "Into A Hole" has a classic Weezer feel, dressing up a great 50s/60s pop melody with grungy guitar.

The CD is enjoyable and fun most of the time, and my buddy Aaron over at Powerpopaholic was more enthusiastic about them. In my opinion, there is great potential here if the Research Turtles stick out their melodic neck some more and come out of their hard shell.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 7, 8

Research Turtles on MySpace.

Check out a live performance of the hearty rocker, "Cement Floor":