For those unfamiliar with this quintet, Dogwood is a punk rock band out of San Diego, California. The band has sustained a few members changes since they started with the current roster as Josh Kemble on vocals, Scott Bergen on bass, Eddie Spangler on Guitar, Daniel Montoya on Guitar, and last but not least Russell Castilo on drums. Dogwood's latest release, Seismic is the newest stage in the bands evolution with much to offer. Allow me to illustrate...

The album opens with the title track "Seismic," which was, to my disappointment, not a strong opener. Infact, the first two songs were not all that strong, but fear not music lovers: this record gets better! The third song "Conscience In A Cave" is a solidd groove-driven punk song. It opens with a good guitar riff, and moves along into a good melody. "Absolution" is something you'll want to pump your fist to at the live show while "Your Welcome" is just a good punk crowd pleaser. "Your Tongue Is The Deadliest Of Arrows" offers a tasty drum and bass line while "Trailer Full Of Tragedies" has awesome music and a good melody, as well as punk rock's best clap solo. "Faith" is one of those Christian fight songs that radiates great energy. Track eleven, "Last of the Lost," has a real strong melody and is easy to sing along to. The album closes with "Crushing," which is a straight-and-to-the-point punk song and is a mere forty six seconds long.

Overall, I loved Seismic. The first two songs might make you think there isn't too much more to this project, but there is. Seismic has something for every punk fan. It has good fast songs and songs that are more melody driven. Some listeners might be turned off by Kemble's vocals, but I for one love it. I think it works well with the overall sound of Dogwood. So, if you like good fast punk, run out to get Seismic. You'll love it.

- Review date: 3/13/03, written by Matt Vest