Undersea eXplosion is part of a scene of cult heroes. Their sound reminds me of a long line of dark rock bands: The Cramps, The Mission UK and 90's east coast goth band Empire Hideous. Their "New York" image and lyrical content recalls The Stooges and The Velvet Underground. The sound mixes a deep baritone voice with a kick-ass garage-rock groove.

Jim Paul (singer/guitar player), Jerold H. (bass), and David Mendez (drums) came together to form eXplosion in Brooklyn in 2003. Ever since their self-titled release on LSD 25 Records, the band has been attracting a lot of press. They have received positive reviews from Time Out New York and other magazines. "Switch" kicks-off the record with minor chord progressions that invoke a dark mood. As the track reaches its turning point, it dives into a surf-rock electric flamenco guitar lick, accompanied by a distinctive finger-snapping sound. Track two, "One Way Ride," leaves the listener with an uneasy feeling of terror with crisp, striking notes.

The next track, "True Believers," flows into a psycho-billy groove that is later joined by an echoing saxophone. The blues guitar riffs add contrast in all that darkness. The record then moves on to "Where We Live." It opens with a rhythm guitar and a unique bass melody. As the track kicks in full force, the lyrics become revealing and personal.

The record comes up for air in "Bottom of The River." Paul sings like a classic dirty rocker alá Iggy Pop. The record closes with "Trepanator," a bluesy party tune. We’ve traveled a long way from the beginning of the record.