Reformed band Come rocks 'n rows gently down punk-blues 'Stream'

REVIEW
	Gently, Down the Stream Matador Come

Most of the time, when tragedy hits a band, its first instinct is to quit. When Come lost its drummer and bassist in 1994, the band could have folded. Instead, they carried on - and look what's followed.

Enlisting a new drummer and bassist, founding members Thalia Zedek and Chris Brokaw have reformed a complete band and released "Gently, Down The Stream," an intriguing record to say the least.

Come's signature punk-blues riffs and intensity shine on its latest record, which clocks in at a whopping 66 minutes in length.

This is the only factor working against the record. It is long-winded, but some of the parts are not to be missed.

The album opener "One Piece" is a seven-minute epic that ignites the fire between Zedek and Brokaw, twisting melodies as Zedek showcases her intense, gravely voice. The next song, "Recidivist," features Brokaw on vocals, which gives Come a different perspective. Two voices are definitely better than one.

The apex of "Gently, Down The Stream" is "Saints Around My Neck." Throughout its duration of eight and a half minutes, the listener is poked, prodded, thrashed and carried along as Zedek delivers the most chilling vocal of any song on Come's previous three albums.

02-17-98

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