Former V-Roy makes faulty' rock attempt

Ian Parker Staff Writer

Volume 86 Number 69 Wednesday, April 25, 2001

Artist: The Faults Album: The Faults Label: Lynn Point Records A live show by the Faults is usually something of a special event. The energy of a performance by former V-Roy Mic Harrison and his band is impossible to deny. The problem seems to have been getting this sound on record. 

The band's eponymous debut album is a pretty good rock n' roll record on its own terms, but for those who hope to recreate a concert in their own home, it is difficult not to be a little disappointed. The problem is not in the songwriting. Harrison maintains his ear for a good riff, and the tunes are well complemented by Robbie Trosper's guitar work. And while none of this stuff is remotely groundbreaking, it's difficult to have a problem with someone rehashing old ideas if they do it this well. 

Tracks such as Lazy Eyes, Dishonest Jenny and The Queen Has Spoken have become staples of the band's live set and feature again here as the cornerstones. But where a Faults live performance will rip-roar its way through these tracks, the album sounds a little too calm to really bring these tracks to life. The only point where the album gets close is on Big Show, but even this sounds a little forced.

Clocking in at just 38 minutes, the album doesn't waste much time, but it does waste a lot of songwriting. One can only hope the band will put out a live album if we are ever to hear these songs as they really should sound. The Faults is a quality rock n' roll album. The only problem with it is that it should have been a great rock n' roll album. Rating: B-