Here's another one of those surprises that makes being a music critic so interesting and worthwhile. I had zero expectations of enjoying this record, especially when I got a look at the frankly second-rate cover. Add in the fact that Supermercado seem to be in the radio friendly modern metal side of things and I thought it would be a chore to get through.

Well, this Chicago-based band featuring former members of Mindbomb is most definitely leaning towards the nu-metal spectrum, but there is far, far more to them than that. There's a stratospheric level of energy and intensity on this record that carries through to the listener. In opposition to the usual bone-crushing doom and gloom I slap myself around with most of the time, "Scary Baby" is actually a happy record with an infectious vibe. The riffs are pretty catchy, the production is excellent, the rhythm section tight and best of all, the band can boast the incredibly soulful and powerful vocals of one gentleman named Killa Kat. This guy has got awesome pipes and puts everything's he's got into these tracks. I think his Prince-like falsetto is sometimes silly but he really shows range, lungpower and enthusiasm in his performance here.

The record also features a blistering assortment of lead guitar work courtesy of main songwriter Matt Mercado and accomplice Michael Ray Garrett. It's a treat to hear a record where not only each song has its own identity, but each guitar solo as well. So many CD's these days are monotone, with the same production and sounds throughout their length - not here. Supermercado also has a funky type feel to many of their songs that separates them from the pack. I wouldn't say this is 100% yet, but as far as commercially oriented heavy metal with a strong soul/funk feel goes, "Scary Baby" hits the jackpot in just about every way.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.