Smashing the alternative sound

Gish, the first full length album from the then new band, Smashing Pumpkins, is a power packed, full on rock assault, to the senses.

This is one of the most accomplished debut albums by a band I have ever heard. Billy Corgan's vocals have a raw, desperate quality that he never quite pulls off again, although, his range and overall vocal awareness has improved with newer his newer work.

Jimmy Chamberlain plays the drums as if his life might depend on it. He seems to throw every ounce of energy he can muster in those skins, and the end result is percussion that inspires. James Iha accompanies Corgan on the lead guitars, and they both play with an intensity which is loud and precise. D'arcy finishes out the quartet on bass, keeping the frantic rhythm for the rest of the boys to follow.

This album goes from quiet moments to explosive riffs and back again, keeping the listener on their toes. I am one, the first track, is an absolute hard rock masterpiece, from the driving bass intro to the sliding power chord chorus. The songs on this CD have the feel of being classically arranged, as if they were composed for orchestra, yet played as hard rock. There is nary a weak track to be found here, even the mellow, seemingly out of place track, Daydream, works to give the listener a breather from frenetic pace.

If you are a newer Pumpkins fan, and think they are just a little too mellow, you NEED to get this album. This is the Pumpkins when they rocked the hardest. Personally, I love the evolution of the band, and think that their current material is as tight as their older stuff, but for those of you johnny come lately's who have never heard Gish, you are really missing out on a gem.