Dawn's Early Apocalypse

Nowadays, it seems like there's more and more rockers that can't make up their mind if they're roots rockers or punk rockers. And Matthew Grimm is certainly one of these gentlemen. Formerly the frontman of the obscure New York act the Hangdogs, Grimm relocated to the state best known for spawning Slipknot and John Wayne — Iowa — and got to work on his solo debut. But Grimm doesn't go at it alone on 2006's Dawn's Early Apocalypse, as he receives aid from renowned roots rock producer Pete Anderson (who has worked with everyone from Dwight Yoakam to the Meat Puppets), and a supporting cast of musicians who have also worked with varied acts. Judging from the lyrics and album cover, it takes little time to realize that Grimm is a proud American, yet is not content with the country's current state. The album's true opener, "Kill the Poor," is not a cover of the infamous Dead Kennedys song of the same name, but rather a pop-punk original that sounds not too far removed from the Warped Tour set. But Grimm proves that he's no one-trick pony, as evidenced by the rootsy "Slut," the country-ish "St. Booze," and the bare bones rocker "Honea Path." Think Ryan Adams and the Jayhawks, and you're not far off from Dawn's Early Apocalypse.