From the ashes of post-punk outfits like Shift and Burn, L.A.'s
the Big Collapse play gritty rock that falls somewhere between vintage
AC/DC and
the Foo Fighters' tougher sonics. Produced by
Finch and
Rocket from the Crypt veteran Ben Moore,
Prototype is long on hard, upbeat rockers like "Deliver Me" that, despite good intentions, lack any sustaining hooks. "Pull Out the Guts" is one exception, where guitarist Matt Kane and guitarist/vocalist Josh Loucka execute a tenacious
Helmet-meets-
Aerosmith romp, but without more of these moments, the group's second album doesn't hold the listener's interest for long. While
the Big Collapse's rhythm section -- consisting of drummer Kyle Stevenson and bassist Gavin Vanlack -- never buckles, the band's epic rawk approach goes nowhere fast. In that sense,
Prototype is the musical equivalent of sneaking out with dad's Porsche 911, only to take it around the block. Why bother? ~ John D. Luerssen