Hailing from Los Angeles, California, WHO RIDES THE TIGER is a Hard Rock band that clearly has serious following the L.A. clubs. They play with a mixture of Rock elements and vocals that are always shifting.

Their sound is consistent on the record, each song sounding a little like the last. They have their own sound, which is apparent as the album progresses and one gets the feeling that this is the sort of band that must be seen live in order to fully appreciate. They seem fun and energetic, but the clips on their MySpace undoubtedly show that their essence is most able to be appreciated live on a stage.

From talking, to screaming, to a narcotics-induced mumbling, the vocals are a key element to the style of the band. Their guitars are a little dirty and the drums are pounding and pleasantly loud on the album.

If this review doesn’t entice you to listen to their album, fine. However, perhaps you will change your mind when I tell you that the album can be downloaded on their website at no cost to you. So it’s definitely worth listening to; free music usually is.

Song to check out: “Cut You”.

(Online February 14, 2009)