Bands, especially the ones that have proclaimed themselves as “underground,” also seem to take on the monikers of  “dynamic” and”‘unique.” Unfortunately for bands that truly are dynamic and unique, groups like Broughton’s Rules ruin it for the rest of them.

Broughton’s Rules, who took their name from Jack Broughton‘s boxing rules from the mid 1700′s, are as dynamic and unique as Betty White sex jokes. Bounty Hunter 1853, their debut CD with Relapse starts out promising, with hard rock beats and a very Pulp Fiction-esque feel. However, when that same sound is looped over and over with few variations for over four and a half minutes, it tends to become a bit droning and almost makes one wonder if the engineer just forgot to turn off the soundboard when recording.

The third song, “Broadside,” although different from the first two, tends to fall into the same head-bobbing trance as the others. This also introduces the vocal stylings of one of the members, but there seems to be no information about whose droning and whiny voice comes out of the speakers.

All of the other tracks on the CD vary only in length, with the occasional odd instrument or sound effect thrown in to break up the monotony. The late 80′s video game effects in “Broadside,” the dying whale call in “Childhood Sun” and even the distorted piano sounds on “Moonsick” give the listener a bit of hope, but once again, when it’s looped over and over, it loses it’s flair and originality.

The one bright spot of the entire album is the beginning of “Silver Or Lead,” which is reminiscent of the hard rock bands that share the passion and energy of just starting out. It has the excitement coming out of the instruments and if the rest of the album was this incredible, Broughton’s Rules would have a clamoring for more. Dennis Kern on drums and Jim Nemeth on bass obviously have an extreme amount of talent, as it is displayed throughout the entire venture. However, this album as a whole, falls flat.

Conclusion: Bounty Hunter 1853…for those times when talent isn’t an issue.