Fufkin.com: " ...this record edges toward more introspective material, mixing in some depth with the expected pop magic. Yep, Mr. Encrypto has some singer-songwriter in him. And he's quite good at it...The soft take (of 'Rock And Roll Is Killing Me') is poignant, while the closer is a no holds barred poison laced version that rocks in an appropriately lethal way. While I certainly enjoyed the debut disc, this record is a fuller experience, and backed up by strong songs throughout. I foresee further growth on the horizon" Mike Bennett, fufkin.com, Dec. 2003)

Americana-UK.com: "Against all odds the whole concoction works, and works pretty damn well. The vocals remind you of a slightly less rattled and more poppy Neil Young, and it is simply impossible not to tap your toes and nod along. The album's keynote track is "Rock And Roll Is Killing Me'...it's hard not to be reminded of 'My My Hey Hey' in both style and track positioning but Mr. Encrypto holds his own, which is no mean achievement." Jeremy Searle, Americana-UK.com, Dec. 28, 2003.

Jam Records: "Full of sublime original 60's influenced pop and also includes a superb cover of the Byrds tune 'Get To You.' This one really delivers the vintage pop goods." Jeremy Morris, Jam Records catalog (www.jamrecordings.com)

Amplifier Magazine: "Although it's more rock oriented and less produced than Mr. Encrypto's debut, Secret Identity Crisis is not short on the mind-blowing chord changes that marked his first record. Standout tracks include the laid back "Another Good Year" and the menacing blues thumper "The Big One"...also personalized versions of the Kinks' "Dreams," the Apples in Stereo's "Silver Chain," and the Small Faces' "I Feel Much Better." Not to be missed.'" David Bash, Amplifier #40, Jan-Feb 2004

Power of Pop: "Double-take at the Neil Young-inflected “Rock and Roll Is Killing Me (Softly)" with its companion piece “Rock and Roll Is Killing Me (Loudly)”, marvel at the clearly Roger McGuinn inspired countrified rocker “Silence is Poison” and thrill to the rustic psychedelic “Another Good Year” as Gordon and co-producer Earle (Sparks) Mankey prove that it is possible to pay tribute to the magical 60s and yet remain creative and relevant." Kevin Mathews, powerofpop.com, Jan. 27, 2004

High Bias : "Secret Identity Crisis is even better than the debut Hero and Villain, with sharper melodies, cleaner arrangements and plenty of Encrypto's soulful vocals. Cool taste in covers (the Kinks, the Small Faces, the Byrds, the Apples in Stereo) as well. Michael Toland, highbias.com, Feb. 29, 2004

Pop Culture Press: “...a brilliant homage to Rust Never Sleeps-era Neil Young called “Rock and Roll Is Killing Me (Softly),” with singer Gordon honing in on the kind of loneliness and desperation that the best rock’n’roll ever waxed speaks to. (Album closer, Neil style, is the antithesis, a screaming rocker called “Rock and Roll Is Killing Me (Loudly)”.) In between, the mysterious Encrypto mines a thick vein of clever original, 60s burnished pop and choice covers like the Byrds’ “Get To You” and the Kinks’ “Dreams.” Of the originals, “Silence Is Poison,” a subterranean slice of rock’n’roll and sly wordplay along the lines of certain works by Mr. Dylan and Mr. Costello, delves straight into the contradictions of life.” Luke Torn, Pop Culture Press #58, Spring/Summer 2004

Meanwhile, we do still have a few copies of Mr. Encrypto's first album, HERO and VILLAIN! Folks from far and wide have agreed to agree that it is, in a word...agreeable. (See the reviews below.) Click here to order this megadose of subversive -- yet still strangely addictive -- grade-A pop! (By the way, did we mention that, like the new album, it's produced by Earle Mankey? Just checking.)

Every song the Beatles ever recorded was "rewritten" by someone else at some point or other. That's the premise; find out if it holds up -- click here and read one man's opinions about Beatles songs as recycled by other songwriters. Newly updated, with the songs from the "Please Please Me" through the "Sgt. Pepper" albums. Slowly but surely...

 

For more infomation about anything on this site, e-mail us at:

info@silentbugler.com

or write to:

Silent Bugler Records, P.O. Box 712277, Los Angeles, CA 90071-7277.