98 to 1 by Heroes of the Alamo

Imagine a more laid back Replacements or smaller scale REM, Heroes Of The Alamo know how to write a solid tune."

- Nick Collings, Alternative Rock Review

"The Heroes laugh in the face of villainous slick production and proudly save the day for those who appreciate the heady days of jangly, lo-fi rock that exposed raw nerves, tossed away pretense and wore its heart proudly on its rolled-up t-shirt sleeve..."98 to 1" is a whimsical, eclectic offering highlighted by the stellar contrasting dual vocalists (one smoky, one smooth) who know how to harmonize well together or go it alone...This is a refreshing and fun CD from a band with lots of style and promise."

- Jeff Lyons, UsedWigs

RATING: Five Stars "13 tracks that can hold your attention without even trying. A constantly moving and energetic approach that sets HOTA apart from the indie scene...by stirring emotion and true feeling in the mix. The latest CD offering 98 to 1 has a definite charm that is equal parts retro and up to date.

A polished disk that combines flashy guitar and prominent vocals that send Heroes Of The Alamo a step above. The tunes are captivating, you will find yourself singing along after just a couple listens. Reinventing a classic sound and putting their own pseudo punk stamp on a sparkling CD. HOTA have a pure vision of their goals, and keep them in sight on 98 to 1."

- Rikk Matheson, Rikks Revues

"HOTA pull off some seriously raw and spiritual grooves...For a debut album, that's pretty impressive for any band. I can't wait to hear more from these guys...The music is certainly infectious and difficult to get out of my head. I'll be enjoying this album for a good while after this review."

- Michael Allison, MusicDish

"Their music is powerful and gutsy whilst maintaining an intelligent approach...Recently I was decrying the lack of great guitar work and guitar solos in particular in contemporary rock music. This album puts the six string back into music with a vengeance...a strong start to what looks to be a lengthy career."

- Doug Floyd, AltCountryTab

"This is a New York City punk band tried and true... Occasionally borrowing from The Clash and The Pixies, this post-punk quartet is doing well for themselves. It`s relatively easy to get lost in the shuffle of unsigned bands looking for their niche in the Big City but HOTA is adept at avoiding this...they have at least a couple radio-friendly `hits` like "Cleaning Woman", "One Step Closer" or "Jean".

- J-Sin, Smother.net

"If you're into The Clash's more melodic kind of stuff, you'd definitely like this. It's an excellent start for this band, and i'm sure you'll hear more about them in the future."

- Joseph Spagnuolo, Calamityproject

"(HotA) soundchecks all the right bands and occasionally pulls in surprising echoes."

- John Scalzi, IndieCrit

Here's what some fans happened to say at Amazon.com:

For true music fans not tired of listening to good music, January 14, 2003

Reviewer: A music fan from Funkytown, USA

I was introduced to The Heroes of the Alamo by a friend and discovered them as a great, great live band. If you're ever in the NYC area you'd really do yourself a favor by catching one of their sets, you won't be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised to find "98 to 1," their cryptically titled first studio album captures much of the energy of their live performances, and it's an excellent and welcome addition to my collection. For those who haven't hear them live, The Heroes's music defies simple categorization as anything like "roots rock," "punk," or "alternative" (whatever that means these days). At times lyrically aggressive, at other times quiet and laid back the tight delivery and production adds up to simply good music that you haven't heard before, played by talented musicians with intensity and heart. For me, some of the stand out songs on this album are "Elements," "Navigator" and "Gavin's Perambulator." While "Elements" has a slower tempo, the energy in Dave Makuen's vocals is palpable. That's probably my favorite song, if I had to pick just one. But if you want just basic old fashioned fast paced [intensity], then try "Navigator" or "Gavin's Perambulator." These songs, along with the others on this album that have great drums, bass and guitar are just plain fun, and just plain excellent. Buy it! I guarantee you'll want go see them live and like me will be eagerly awaiting their next album.

Great Debut Album, July 10, 2002

Reviewer: A music fan from Philadelphia, PA USA

The "Heroes'" have been on the NYC music scene for a few years, and I have eagerly awaited this CD's release. It was worth the wait....it covers some of my favourite songs from them, including the slower, lyrical "Elements," to the driving energy of "Navigator" and "That Kind of Girl". This band has a unique sound while relying on traditional rock band components....solid bass and drumming, guitar licks with tube-amp warmth and crunch, and the gritty yet unwavering bellows of Dave Makuen. The lyrics are intelligent without ever being condescending or pretentious...they don't take themselves too seriously (look at their name). I hate labeling new bands, so I won't, but I will say that if you like old REM or the Pixies, The Strokes, or even Weezer, you will be very pleased with this purchase.

OTHER COMMENTS:

"Equal parts REM and early Elvis Costello blend the smooth sound of Heroes of the Alamo. Calling New York home, HOTA bring a new flamboyance to a classic style, and borrow from their many influences while writing and recording catchy pop punk. A clever approach to song construction adding contemporary style to classic exuberance. With all the elements in place, HOTA can spar memories of the glory days while remaining fresh and timely."

-Rikks Revues

"...reminds me of The Clash...The songwriting and melodies remind me of Elvis Costello and maybe even a little of R.E.M."

-MusicDish

"...early Uncle Tupelo guitar thrash, with vocal style that registers on the Joe Strummer scale of snarl at about 8/10...A definite Punk/New Wave ingredient ... blended well with subtle touches that I picked up on, conjuring images of REM to the Jam via the Jayhawks."

-AltCountryTab

"These guys are very, very melodic, and very very rock. Their sound is more or less this kind of straightforward approach to rock, in the vein of The Clash, The Pixies, and even borrowing pages from Mission of Burma here and there."

-Calamityproject

"Opener 'Not My Fault' has a nagging guitar line and chorus reminiscent of The Bends-era Radiohead, whilst 'She's Still' has a radio-friendly sheen that even can rival Idlewild's most poppy moments...The downbeat 'Acquiescing' is a worthy composition with the crooning of the song title sticking in the memory long after the record has stopped spinning. The guitar tone is especially inspired, not unlike The Pixies on one of their quieter moments."

-Alternative Rock Review

"Fans of R.E.M., Pixies, The Clash, Dandy Warhols, and Toad the Wet Sprocket should like this album."

-Duendezine

"Sounding at times maybe like R.E.M., with a touch of The Clash, and The Pixies... HOTA knows what it does and does it consistently."

-Indie-Music.com

""Not My Fault" and "That Kind of Girl" are simple and sweet mid-tempo rockers with forceful, emotive vocals that bring to mind early ("Birdbrain"-era) Buffalo Tom..."She's Still" is a peppy, punchy ode to a lost love that takes you back to the great pop-punk songs of the 80s. "Jean" will immediately have you asking, "'Is this early Joe Jackson?" Sounds just as good."

-UsedWigs

Average Customer Review: