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Pizza…

Great food or GREATEST food?

If you answered the former then I have no reason to speak with you and suggest you stop reading this review.

IT’S A PIZZA PARTY!

Punknews.org alumni Scott Heisel deemed the Pizza EP from the quirky Nintendocore act HORSE the Band a fake. I thank the lords of 8-bit technology that he was wrong, because this pie fresh out of the oven is quite tasty!

At only five songs, this record feels like one of those personal pan pizzas that you used to get from Pizza Hut via the scholastic Book-It program. Most of us would prefer a large 12-cut pizza, but after reading ten consecutive volumes of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, any pizza will suffice.

The first cut into the ‘za is in typical HORSE the Band fashion -- synth keyboards standing out as the greasy and mouth watering cheese. Underneath is a sweet tomatoe-y sauce of brutal guitar play that drips on the edges of metalcore. Supporting the slice is an appetizing crunchy pummeling of the drum kit crust. The toppings are meaty, no room for wimpy vegetables as Nathan wails stronger than on previous servings -- although, I do taste a bit of crushed red peppers on the “Wooooo”s that liven up the wedge.

At my old job, CompUSA, every other Friday was payday and the managers bought the entire staff pizza. The majority of the twenty pizzas would be devoured between the opening and closing workforce, but there would always be at least one full pizza leftover. Did anyone bother to put it in the fridge? No. Nearing the end of my shift on a Saturday evening I would always dive into that last box, despite knowing how awful my stomach would feel on the drive home. “Werepizza” is that slice of the pie. The track is mundane, extensive, and very hard to swallow. Thankfully, HORSE the Band follow it up with one of the best songs they have produced to date -- “Pizza Nif” is their next significant live hit and an instant restaurant pleaser that can easily hold off “Cutsman” in an eating contest. The tune begins as if HORSE is giving Motion City Soundtrack a run for the money in synth-pop, but it quickly dives into a grinding break before burning the roof of your mouth with a contagious chorus.

When I was 10 years old only two things mattered to me -- pizza and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Thankfully, HORSE the Band is in the same Turtle-van as me and they deliver a worthwhile rendition of the classic theme song. The vocals are not in the typical vein of HtB, instead they’re a little nasally, but it works and well! It feels like Saturday morning all over again with this timeless track blaring from my speakers.

After spinning this EP a handful of times I am ready for a large greasy delicious Pizza full-length, or at least a Pizza compilation! I’m sure Hank Jones, the Aquabats, the Bouncing Souls, and you agree with me.



People who liked this also liked:
Rx Bandits - ...And the Battle BegunThe Sainte Catherines - Dancing for DecadenceWeezer - The Blue AlbumReel Big Fish - Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for FreeKid Dynamite - Cheap Shots, Youth AnthemsNone More Black - This Is SatireJimmy Eat World - Chase This LightVoice In The Wire - Signals In TransmissionTen Foot Pole - Subliminable MessagesHot Water Music - No Division



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    Posted by thomas7155 on 2007-08-27 23:05:50
    My Score:

    i dislike this band. it seems like if you want to be in an "innovative" band, all you have to do is have weird album covers, distorted vocals and dissonant riffs. every band since Fugazi has done that.

    Posted by ozmanx on 2007-05-22 11:59:24
    My Score:

    i love this review.

    Posted by TheMike on 2007-02-15 11:23:19

    I haven't heard this ep, but I must say, this is the best review I've ever read. I think I'm hungry, now...

    Posted by tommytumult on 2007-01-18 01:01:33

    It's now available on 10" picture disc vinyl, complete with pizza box and coupons:

    http://www.asssnake.com/lif/

    Posted by Kursk on 2006-09-14 22:14:09
    My Score:

    I finally got this, it's actually better than I was expecting, and the TMNT theme song is worth it alone.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 11, 2006 at 7:14 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Worst band as of recent. I think two of them like it in the butt. Says a lot.

    Posted by kirbypuckett on 2006-09-11 10:17:59

    Dante, I'm glad that came up w/ the Pizza being on the "top" -- that bugged the hell out of me. Then there was that HUUUGE ad their album, I hate ads.

    - Kirby

    Posted by punkbytheounce on 2006-09-11 03:29:40

    Still tastes better than Domino's.

    Posted by klonny on 2006-09-10 12:39:53
    My Score:

    This review is awesome. I've never heard the band, but I want to just because I like the review. :P

    Posted by Dante3000 on 2006-09-10 04:49:18

    Couple of things I just noticed from interviewing HORSE the band (oh shit name dropping!!! NOES!!!)
    First: The fucking pizza (AKA the cd) is on the roof of the box and there's a big as Mechanical Hand ad on the inside. Both things the band didn't ask for and both should be corrected for the vinyl.

    Second: The band admits that this was silly and only for fun. While they hold that most of their songs actually have meaning ("Birdo" "Cutsman") they freely awknowledge this is a silly EP.

    Third: I guess they're self releasing the vinyl on Kanga-Rooster records (unless they find a new name before then).

    Fourth: They talk mad shit on Eli (Eel Eye).
    As for the CD, if "Warepizza" wasn't so god damn drawn out this would be a way better disc, but it's still fun.
    -Dante

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 8:27 PM (EDT)

    decent album art, but this band isn't very good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 6:07 PM (EDT)

    This band makes Chiodos look like Chiodos!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 5:42 PM (EDT)

    Is the CD version in a pizza box, too?

    Not really, it looks like a pizza box and it's a digipack, but it's not really a pizza box.

    - Kirby

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 5:39 PM (EDT)

    I seen Horse the Band at The Sounds of the Underground Tour.They FUCKING suck!!!!!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 5:28 PM (EDT)

    one of my favorite bands and i love the pizza ep

    Posted by indie_is_better_than_punk on 2006-09-09 17:06:31

    pizza nif = pizza knife

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 3:50 PM (EDT)

    "One of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons that no one ever seems to know of was Exo-Squad. I thought that show was the bee's fucking knees.

    -Scott"

    lol@fat kids.

    Posted by davebrave4 on 2006-09-09 15:44:03

    Could anyone explain to me what pizza nif means?

    Posted by Scruffy on 2006-09-09 14:04:17

    Oh, Exo-Squad sounds really familiar. I'm going to look it up on IMDB.

    Posted by R3venge_Therapy on 2006-09-09 10:58:03
    My Score:

    This was an entertaining review, so good job on that. This band however...probably one of the worst out there. I have a hard time understanding why people call this music.

    Posted by maverick on 2006-09-09 10:27:23

    One of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons that no one ever seems to know of was Exo-Squad. I thought that show was the bee's fucking knees.

    -Scott

    Posted by shanholtzer on 2006-09-09 04:56:41

    pizza (and r.l. stine) were the most important things growing up. i feel that all this band is trying to do, is sell me on pizza again (not specifically this record, but who/what they are in general). novelty act. song are catchy at times, but still. nothing more than putting pizza on a bagel and re-packaging it over and over again.

    Posted by greyicewater on 2006-09-09 01:41:20

    once i ate a pizza and later that day my chest hurt really bad. and then a few days later i ended up in the emergency room because the pain was so bad. turns out i had an infection in my esophagus. my white count was so low that my room was quarantined and anyone who came in had to wear masks and gowns. so the point of me saying this is, i believe it was the pizza that did it all. and i feel if i got this, the same thign would happen. i don't like horse the band at all. but i did like this review.

    Posted by hubitcherkokov on 2006-09-09 00:35:53

    I had the Spike "Land Before Time" hand puppet. I wish I knew where that was...

    Anyway, best Saturday Morning Cartoons: Arthur and the Knights of Justice, Mighty Max, Eek! The Cat/Terrible Thunder Lizards, The Tick, Spider-Man/X-Men/The Marvel Action Hour (Fantastic Four/Iron Man), Aladdin, Pirates of Darkwater, Skeleton Warriors, Dog City, Gargoyles (the original writers just started a new Gargoyles comic book), Recess, and about 8 million more...

    Posted by smelltheglove on 2006-09-08 23:52:10

    "If it helps, I remember Eek! I also remember how bad the other mini shows packed with it in the Eek!stravaganza show were. I wish it were just a whole half hour of Eek!
    Remember when Saturday mornings was Eek!, Life With Louie, X-Men, Spidermand and The Tick?
    And then, when it got good five years later on the WB with Superman, Batman and Men In Black (which I hold as one of the best American animated shows ever)."

    I dunno...I kinda liked the Incredible Thunder Lizards. Nothing beats EEK! and the Tick Though.

    THE EVIL MIDNIGHT BOMBER WHAT BOMBS AT MIDNIGHT!

    Posted by eastsidemagsthbs on 2006-09-08 23:30:41

    too bad horse the band sucks

    Posted by ILOVESCOTT on 2006-09-08 22:35:52

    interpunk is out of control, they are charging $7.75 for this.

    Posted by kingofsuck on 2006-09-08 22:06:38

    I didn't mention the "box" in thie review, but the packaging is awesome.

    - Kirby


    Is the CD version in a pizza box, too?

    Posted by i-type-poorly on 2006-09-08 21:42:27

    Siper Dave Osbourne had a cartoon too. If i remember correctly there were jokes that involved him getting hurt....

    Posted by Scruffy on 2006-09-08 21:00:01

    If it helps, I remember Eek! I also remember how bad the other mini shows packed with it in the Eek!stravaganza show were. I wish it were just a whole half hour of Eek!
    Remember when Saturday mornings was Eek!, Life With Louie, X-Men, Spidermand and The Tick?
    And then, when it got good five years later on the WB with Superman, Batman and Men In Black (which I hold as one of the best American animated shows ever).

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 8:12 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I have EEK! comic books.

    Posted by tenwestchaser on 2006-09-08 18:53:38

    "I remember back when I was a kid when you got a free X-Men comic book with every personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. I would take that shit home and scarf it down while watching EEK! the Cat every day after school. Could be why I'm a fat fuck today."

    Oh man...hell fucking yes I remember. EEK! was so great, nobody else I know remembers it. These comments are making my day less shitty.

    Posted by mcgregor107 on 2006-09-08 18:38:13

    haha props to the metaphors..
    im just posting because i just ate a chicken/green pepper pizza.. fucking delicious!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 5:56 PM (EDT)

    HORSE is bad in the same way Posideon was bad.

    Posted by smelltheglove on 2006-09-08 17:28:39

    I remember back when I was a kid when you got a free X-Men comic book with every personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. I would take that shit home and scarf it down while watching EEK! the Cat every day after school. Could be why I'm a fat fuck today.

    Posted by kirbypuckett on 2006-09-08 16:25:22

    Question: I got the "Birdo" mp3 here awhile ago and loved it. Does the rest measure up?

    the reviews board should start listing whether releases are 7"/12"/CDs, etc..

    --Cos


    "Birdo" is a killer song. "Pizza Nif" lives up to it quite well -- Check out their records, the latest Mechanical Hand which "Birdo" is from is similar to that.

    This is a CDep, the vinyl (limited to 500 copies) will be available soon.

    I didn't mention the "box" in thie review, but the packaging is awesome.

    - Kirby

    Posted by Cos on 2006-09-08 16:14:18

    Question: I got the "Birdo" mp3 here awhile ago and loved it. Does the rest measure up?

    the reviews board should start listing whether releases are 7"/12"/CDs, etc..

    --Cos

    Posted by boba_fett on 2006-09-08 15:46:33

    At only five songs, this record feels like one of those personal pan pizzas that you used to get from Pizza Hut via the scholastic Book-It program. Most of us would prefer a large 12-cut pizza, but after reading ten consecutive volumes of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, any pizza will suffice.

    FUCK YEAH! those were the days man...

    Posted by kingofsuck on 2006-09-08 15:40:48
    My Score:

    Since I haven't heard this EP yet, the score is for the review. One of the better ones I've read on this site. Hopefully I'll be able to grab this on vinyl.

    Posted by steveman on 2006-09-08 15:07:26

    $5 Pizzas Today at Dominick's!

    16 Inches ariviing at my door.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 3:04 PM (EDT)

    This review made me laugh. Nice work!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 2:39 PM (EDT)

    fantastic review. i always have trouble choosing my pizza topping too, fuck those HORSE boys nailed it down in "crippled by pizza"

    Posted by tenwestchaser on 2006-09-08 14:28:42
    My Score:

    "I think I got a rad Land Before time hand puppet with one of those."

    Haha, this whole review and following comments brought back all kinds of memorys. Score is for that.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 2:25 PM (EDT)

    The war in Iraq.

    GREAT war, or the GREATEST war.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 1:55 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    score is for compUSA

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 1:46 PM (EDT)

    This band knows how to have fun, but they really don't know how to put together a decent record.

    Good review though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 1:43 PM (EDT)

    Good review, shit band.

    - Suck the Fuck

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 1:15 PM (EDT)

    brilliant. i still have my "book it!" button.

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2006-09-08 12:55:45
    My Score:

    awesome review... it was very fun to read

    score is for the review

    Posted by fluxy44 on 2006-09-08 10:37:06

    oh i see what he did, like hes reviewing a pizza!! because the album is called "pizza"!!

    genius.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 10:22 AM (EDT)

    i want the vinyl.

    Posted by kirbypuckett on 2006-09-08 08:53:04
    My Score:

    Good review.
    No mention of Less Than Jake, minus a point.


    Well played, well played...

    - Kirby

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 3:55 AM (EDT)

    A dude playing blip blip noises. Random screaming and chugga chugga riffs. Cool!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 3:54 AM (EDT)

    Let's be honest; pizza is shit compared to a curry.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 3:14 AM (EDT)

    seriously you cant deny that they dont put on a good show. im not a complete fan but goddamn if they dont know how to have fun i wish more band looked at the industry the way they do

    Posted by theonetruebill on 2006-09-08 02:49:03
    My Score:

    Holy shit I loved Book-It. The free pizzas were amazing and then at the end of the year if you read for 600 minutes you got a ticket to Great America! I was so sad when I hit 7th grade and that program stopped.

    As for Horse, fuck 'em. score is for the review and making me nostalgic

    Posted by Mute98 on 2006-09-08 02:40:16
    My Score:

    lets turn dining back into eating!

    Posted by SalsaShark on 2006-09-08 02:30:26

    I like food, food tastes good.

    Posted by Cheesetits on 2006-09-08 01:48:22
    My Score:

    I hate the Aquabats, but love Horse.

    Posted by ilikepunkrock on 2006-09-08 01:06:29

    just to eat

    Posted by ilikepunkrock on 2006-09-08 01:05:24

    Friday was pizza day the best day of the week, all the kids lined up super early to eat.

    Posted by BrendanKelly on 2006-09-08 00:54:43
    My Score:

    Fucking amazing.

    Posted by Phantom_Maggot on 2006-09-08 00:51:50
    My Score:

    Score is for reminding me of the Book-It pizzas. I think I got a rad Land Before time hand puppet with one of those. Ah to be a child again.

    Posted by Dante3000 on 2006-09-08 00:49:59

    Hopefully I'll be interviewing this psychos on Saturday...should be pie-tastic.
    -Dante

    Posted by Fuzzy on 2006-09-08 00:42:11

    Good review.
    No mention of Less Than Jake, minus a point.

    Posted by i-type-poorly on 2006-09-08 00:35:50
    My Score:

    Enjoyable songs, but they certainly put up their B-material for this. I'm sure the next full length will result in rocked-off faces though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 12:30 AM (EDT)

    I like horse the band alot!!!! they are quite enjoyable and make me happy!!!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 12:30 AM (EDT)

    I hate this band but I enjoyed this review quite a bit.

    Posted by FuckYouOiOiOi on 2006-09-08 00:26:19
    My Score:

    "although, I do taste a bit of crushed red peppers on the “Wooooo”s that liven up the wedge. "

    hahahaha
    score is for teh review.

    Posted by someone-yeah on 2006-09-08 00:26:13

    hahaha, what the hell?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 12:21 AM (EDT)

    reviewer needs death ASAP.

    Posted by inagreendase on 2006-09-08 00:12:43

    Awesome review, tons of relatable stuff.