Check out "Karma Killer"
in the Listening Station

Since 1996, Tyson Yan and Brian da Motta have had a little band. Their name: Drist. Why should we care? Cause they are one damn fine up-and-coming band. Here's why:

A recently released 5-song LP has wormed its way into the fortunate position of soundtrack for MTV's "Road Rules", "Real World", and even UPN's newest whacko show, "I Dare You: The Ultimate Challenge".

And for good reason, the opening title-track to "Sterile" does one of two things to a person driving down the road while listening. It either a) causes mass headbanging along with an extreme increase in speed or b) causes most of the male population to wonder if they really should listen (I mean, seriously, would a guy go straight to a CD called "Sterile" and buy it? Well, would they?!). Either way, the music evolves into a nice blend. The only problem, is that it builds to it. When your ears first grab hold of the song, there tends to be a bit more bass and drum than you'd like. And just think, this is a drummer saying this! However, given time, it becomes a nice example of why rock will never die.

Now, if you don't mind, let's go a little darker. Another title that will scare half of all males, "Colostomy" allows drummer Chris Koenig to challenge Lars Ulrich for bitchinest drumbeat. The 4:16 long track is definitely a strange brew, as the final half of the track has an utter contempt for anyone's idea of a human's instrument-playing boundaries. In other words, they are going fruitbooty on those thangs, all the while containing it just enough to give the song definite shape.

If you name a song "Karma Killer", you've already classified it under a specific genre. Anyone around music has either already thought of it or said it: slow, dark, and moodily powerful rock. As expected, you're lying in wait for the moment where it all hits the fan, a la Tool's "Eulogy". The chorus should give you a good enough dosage to subside your craving verse to verse, and finally to the end. Those with a fine-tuned ear will note some similarity between Tyson Yen's vocal abilities and those of everyone's favorite depressed baldy, Aaron of Staind. Unfortunately for my taste, this is a trend that continues throughout the songs. Fortunately, however, "Karma Killer" shows that guitarist Brian da Motta is able to step up front every once in a while. Definite plus.

Ever want to hear a drummer literally take over a song? Then I'll give you a road map to it: Go down "Sterile" Road, turn right at "Karma Killer" Boulevard and go straight into "My Whole". Chris definitely goes ballistic here, literally overtaking Brian, bassist Dave Pearl and Tyson at the beginning and near the end. Showing vocal life, Tyson whips out the screaming voice, probably out of necessity. From one drummer to another: Chris, loved it :)

Rounding out the selections is the rather vampire-esque title "Blood Lily". Clocking it at nearly seven minutes, many may be pushed away at first glance, and some even at the opening. After a chorus or two, you'll be hooked. For myself, the line "here and now, I feel no pain/part of me still cares" got me, hook line and sinker. Proof positive that anyone can get anyone else's attention with the right lyrics. God bless music.

But I digress, time to tie up loose ends. Overall, there really are no fatal flaws here. Granted, a few biased listeners will note the similarty to Staind, as well as the Chris Koenig Revolution in "My Whole", but on a whole, the LP shows that these guys deserve attention. Maybe MTV will stop using them just for soundtracks, and start presenting their music as all music should be seen, a showcase of true talent.