Despite a pretty great rock opera right in the middle of the album, Itch's Dyin' to Be Jesus is a very average project. The idea behind it is great, mixing punk rock with
Elton John-style piano rock. And for the most part, the music is the strongest part of the album. But it is Mark Critchley's voice that does the most damage to the quality of the project. "More Gimmicks" and "No Life" are both good anti-establishment anthems that are tanked by his tight-throated vocals. He doesn't quite sing, he just talks in tune to the music. Only on a few songs, like the beautiful "Photosynthesis" and the aforementioned rock opera "Open Letter to Dr. Strange," do the music and the vocals really come together. The album is a noble effort, but should probably be avoided by anyone who isn't really dedicated to the idea that piano and punk should meet. ~ Bradley Torreano