Rock & Roll Submarine

Nash Kato and Eddie “King” Roeser are back to rescue the Urge Overkill name from oblivion. Blackie Onassis is not involved and the band’s affectations have been cut to the bone. The remaining band members know they squandered the success of Saturation with many of the usual rock clichés and are now back to focus on the great songwriting and tough riffs that made them one of the most promising bands of the ‘90s. There are some very good songs here. The title track, “Effigy” and “Poison Flower” immediately establish the band’s sound with loose harmonies and the same distinctive guitar tone that people expect. But this isn’t a nostalgia act. Their sound was never very dependent on the times. They were not a grunge act, but a pop band with loud guitars. “Quiet Person” is a quiet number that highlights the band’s vulnerable side. “She’s My Ride” displays the band’s street swagger. There isn’t a false move here.