sights of sounds - adventures in La

Sights Of Sounds 

Adeventures In LA
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Sights of Sound was a band that started back in 1983 by Dave Cervantes and George Martinez. After recruiting some more band mates - Norm Martinez, Art Arras, and John Guzman - they were writing songs and playing out and about in Hollywood from ‘87 to ‘92. Years later in 2002 the band completed an album called Adventures in LA in which the songs were written and recorded between ‘85 and ‘91. So, I guess you can say this album was a long time coming. 

Adventures in LA sounds a lot like its name as it captures a moment in time. The song feel like extensions of the fun they were having playing shows and being in a band. It’s unpretentious rock that is mixed with a myriad of influences. I noticed a little Van Halen here, a little bit of Lynyrd Skynard there and a melting pop of classic rock just about everywhere else. 

The album starts with a down and dirty blues growl of “Scooter Trash Boogie.” From beginning to end the song is blast as the singer lets loose with a David Lee Roth type scream that sends shivers down your spine. The song sounded great but I can imagine this must have been quite a crowd pleaser that got the audience in a frenzy when they used to play live. “Party On The Streets” is another rocker  (not as high energy as the first song) that is sprinkled with some Southern Comfort and good times while “Boxing’s Trippy” contains a slick guitar solo that is all too seldom heard in this day and age. 

How could you not love a song called “90’s woman?” The song delivers and continues on a wave of carefree indulgence and enthusiasm.  The album closes with “Earth Thing,” which is the longest and most epic track on the album. 

There’s something about this album that is oddly nostalgic. The songs themselves aren't so but the way the songs were captured feel like a genuine representation of the band’s essence. An unfiltered representation is the purest thing you could ask for from a recording and I have a feeling that’s what was captured on Adventures in LA.

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