The Vacancies
By Anita Maree Lande

High energy, punk outrage, and extreme music madness is what Cleveland's own The Vacancies new CD is all about. The Vacancies songs are mostly centered on social and political concerns. "Sick Modern Era" digests real world issues with nifty guitar riffs by
Michael James. Bassist, Bo adds his style of playing to "Believe" as lead vocalist Billy Crooked screams, "I don't believe in these politicians/But I believe in you!" Their song "Tantrum" is gutter punk at its best and "Shakedown" could be their punk anthem. The high
kicking energy of "Below Merlot" is simply the best power punk song on the CD. Billy just lets loose and snarls his way singing this catchy hook driven song. The band was signed in 2005 on rocker Joan Jett's label Blackheart Records and they are a must see live act. Look for them this year on The Warped Tour. If you are looking for soft-core music, don't look here. After listening to this CD you will absolutely understand why they named it Tantrum..