RONNIE GARCIA (Cortland, NY) - I Wasn't Born a Chaovinist Pig LP Review
By: Justyn Brodsky
★★★☆☆
3 out of 5 Stars
Ronnie Garcia's Freshman effort I Wasn't Born a Chauvinist Pig 12 - track emo-coustic full length may not be a recent release, but deserves a spot on the Pact Review roster granted that Ronnie not only deserved a review of his first effort years back when it came out, but to give a close Pact fellow musical friend a chance to grab our debut review since conjuring up the YOU FIRST! Reviews.
Without devising any plagiorism of acoustic artist likenings of Dashboard Confessional or Fall Out Boy's once-upon-an-unplugged release My Heart is the Worst Kind of Weapon, Garcia, with some naturally boasted production quality surprisingly omitted of any vocal harmonies, brings differentiation to I.W.B.A.C.P.
Most acousti-albums nowadays play with the "experimental" fundamentals and, despite the initial pre-production blueprint, end up getting the natural persona farther away from a presentation that should still involve the nature of the Artist and simplicity that made acoustic albums a dynamic demonstration of an Artist's real display of talent without the need of multi-tracking overload.
And thus, Ronnie avoiding these over produced theatrics is a clear example of his differentiation in Chauvinist. One noticable quality this emotionally crafted and at times lyrically mood swingish LP is the diversity of the tracks. This is not an elaborate showoff of producing cleverness or an aim at mainstream quality acceptance - which is the loveable part about this record. It's an artist truly being himself, and telling his story. It's an artsy record from an Artist. And that simplicity makes this a comfortable record to listen to.
The guitar parts are innovative and full, leaving minimal need for second guitar parts. And though some of the guitar and vocals may lack in-depth precision and mind blowing accuracy, the feel good vibe still makes this fun; and the lyrics never lack a story, random verbal attacks, or some kind of poetic justice. With one track ending with the line "tell me what five inches of deadbeat tastes like", you can clearly see the clever anxiety thrown into the cog of the lyricist that's harbored in Ronnie's dialogue and character...regardless of the mindstate that character may be in.
The production value screams for something more. So this is not for the faint of heart for listeners expecting a Dashboard-esque formulated sound. This is for the indie fan, and DIY fan that's never MIA. The musical element sways from vibrant and up beat, to lullaby worthy calmness and downset. So for a freshman effort, Ronnie's Chauvinist album is a worthy listen, especially if you've only heard his more recent efforts that followed suit. He's an artist that deserves to have his roots explored.
Ronnie Garcia: www.myspace.com/ronniegarcia
11 / 06 / 13 -- TPMS
