Jingo de Lunch
B.Y.E.

I can't believe it! Oh Debaserian people, a band like this still "untouched" on "our" site?

I have to remedy this right away!

Just a couple of very brief introductory notes: The band in question is of German nationality and is led by a woman. They play a (if we really want to stick to labels) Punk/Rock Hardcore/Metal with a bang.

I must confess to you that, probably, this B.Y.E. was the album that gave me all the satisfaction a lover of good music could hope to get. I bought it almost as a joke, I swear to you in 1992 (the album's release date) I didn't even know who they were, as enamored as I was with the cover!!!

I know, the worst purchase one can make is to buy something based on the cover alone, but there it is. Imagine, then, the satisfaction that overcame me when I realized I had "unearthed" a true musical delight! It's truly amazing how often I flipped and re-flipped the cassette in the Walkman.

Here we are dealing with ten tracks (plus an intro and an outro) played extremely well. A fusion of musical genres that specifically means quality, it means masterfully arranged guitars with a truly satisfying sound. The two axe-men, then, offer a series of solos never just for the sake of it, completing a rhythmic section that at times is sensational. Each song shines on its own and at the same time complements the other. There are no, I assure you, musical virtuosos (although from my point of view "the personal" would allow it). Simply every note is put in the right place at the right time.

What can I say, finally, about a splendid singer with a personal and passionate voice, the author of almost all the lyrics, and who at times reminded me of the energy of the unparalleled Patty Smith? Just applause for her.

However, there's always a but, there are a couple of tracks on side B (Do you remember SIDE B) that don't fully convince, partially marring the judgment on the otherwise significant work. The best tracks? "Chew and spit," "Je ne sais quoi," "Better get on," "Delirious," "The crawl."

Give it at least a listen, you won't regret it!