TK-421 (T K IV II I) - Disengaged - 2005 - indy

According to Wikipedia, TK-421 is the "name" of one of the stormtroopers in the movie Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope--possibly the only stormtrooper to receive a designation in any of the three original trilogy movies. It's quite an accolade to be named where many others are not.

TK-421 has made themselves one of the best bands touring the Southwest Virginia area, working up through the ladder of local players for the last 7 years with a live show that lashes out with the charismatic punch born from their roots as a tribute band of 80s hair metal. Within the crowd's favorite older anthems, the band sneaks in songs from their full-length CD "Disengaged" which largely consists of modern guitar grooves underlying vocal melodies that focus on the grays and troubles of adult relationships. These are heavily explored in popular rock but TK-421 goes a notch above standard commercial rock with writing that is metaphoric, yet mature and above conventional male-female platitudes.

Harmonies from lead vocalist, Chuck Johnson (Chris Cornell's long-lost cousin?), excel on numbers like the touching "Bed of Stone", "Disengaged" and "Take Away"--the bastard child of Breaking Benjamin and Godsmack. "Open My Eyes" sees the band stretch out into more progressive stylings which I found rounded out the CD well after the first seven songs. The production is about mid-level, expected for being self-done, with the guitar bite of the live show more subdued. Given the subject matter, it's bark is loud enough.

The major irony of the titled CD is that "Disengaged" is very engaging to listen to on any gender level. Within the riffs and catchy hooks is the genuineness of emotion that is sorely lacking in most cookie-cutter corporate bands. If TK-421 can push and expand out their grooves, they will move up in the ranks of the U.S. rock field much to the consternation of some of their legion of loyal local fans.

Bottom Line: A rock band on its own that's outgrowing it's home base and is ready to fly its flag in more places.

Members:
Chuck Johnson - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Troy Winemiller - Guitar
Steve Layne - Bass
Bill Schlueter - Drums

Links:
www.tk-421.net
www.myspace.com/tk421band
www.garageband.com/artist/TK421

Disengaged CD - $10
Order Info: CD Baby (http://cdbaby.com/found?allsearch=tk-421&allsearchsubmit=Search)



--Nailer 08.01.06