1. Econoline Crush is a band from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I'm also from the Vancouver area.

2. Econoline Crush had just released Affliction, and the singles "Nowhere Now" and especially "Wicked" were gettings tons of radio play on rock radio stations across Canada. Most American radio stations ignore Canadian rock bands unless they have amazing commercial success like the Barenaked Ladies or Bryan Adams. So if you're American, there's a good chance you've never been exposed to Econoline Crush. Here in Canada? They're quite big, and teenaged girls are in love with their lead singer, Trevor Hurst.

3. I was a fan of another Canadian band called The Tea Party, and Econoline Crush opened up for the Tea Party numerous times. I was able to see them live before I bought affliction.

So, now you're probably asking, "What does the album sound like? Is it any good? Is it a rip off of other albums?" Here's my opinion, with a few facts pulled in:

Econoline Crush were extremely influenced by rock and industrial bands. No, not industrial bands like NIN, but bands like Skinny Puppy and Frontline Assembly who were also from Vancouver. Rhys Fulber, who was a member of Frontline Assembly up until the late 90's, produced Econoline Crush's first album "Purge", but also played keyboards on Affliction, and toured with Econoline Crush. If you're lucky enough, you'll find a few Econoline Crush songs remixed by Rhys Fulber (Nowhere Now comes to mind). That's one reason why Econoline Crush have that industrial edge to them.

Affliction was recorded when all of the original Econoline Crush members were present. This is why I call it their most solid album. But not only that, but every song is strong, energetic and emotional.

Nowhere Now kicks off the album into an energetic frenzy. Imagine this song live in concert with the crowd pumping up and down. Blunt begins with a quick punch of a guitar riff, then slows down to a quiet rumble... until the chorus builds, and the chanting of "Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!" makes you just want to blast the song from your stereo! Wicked was the most popular radio single off of this album - starting out with industrial-type samples of drums, the fast paced chorus and the taunting, "you don't feel, you don't care, you're so wicked" in the chorus. Emotional Stain is a nice break in the album, as it lets go from that energetic frenzy and treats you with a blues rock song. Close is a dark, mellow song, with echoed vocals and sorrowful passion. Close was the other single off of Affliction that got adequate radio play in Canada in 1995. Blood In The River is about a dream that lead singer Trevor Hurst had, where he saw bodies in a river. This song was very popular in concert, where the crowd was singing along to the chorus of, "whoa... save my soul, save.. my.. soul..." Cruel World is more of a raw industrial-rock song, a song that was actually released on their first EP, "Purge", but on Affliction, the sounds are more full. Lost and Slug are some of my least favourite on the album because they become a bit like an angry repetitive rock song. Sycophant is one of the catchiest songs on the album, with guitar riffs that want you to bop your head in time to it. It's an excellent song to hear extremely loud! Affliction ends the album a bit more mellow and confused, almost like a reflection and a conclusion to an album of extreme intensity and emotion.

All in all, I'm surprised this album was never introduced to the American market, however, I'm glad it was one of the top albums in Canada during 1995 and 1996. Still to this day you'll hear those songs in Canada, and Econoline Crush are one of the bigger rock bands around that *aren't* the Barenaked Ladies. Don't expect any sissy music to come out of this band!

And to end my review, this is *not* the soundtrack to the 1997 movie "Affliction", so if that's what you're looking for, Econoline Crush's album "Affliction" isn't it! But for all those rock fans who enjoy such bands as NIN, Stabbing Westward, Frontline Assembly, Marilyn Manson, Tool, Incubus, A Perfect Circle, Kittie, Deftones, Korn and the likes... this album's for you!


Even better than TDYK   September 19, 1999
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

After getting "Devil You Know" I started searching high and low for this album, (seems like they really don't carry this album in American record stores) I finally found it in Canada and it rarely makes its way out of my CD player. The best tracks are "Wicked", "Nowhere Now", "Sycopath", and "Affliction". It's a lot different then their new album, but hey this album is great possibly even better than TDYK. This is a great Canadian group, can't wait until their next album and am still searching for their 1st album "Purge". If you like this group, please listen to Stabbing Westward, Filter, OLP or my fav. Canadian band, Moist.


Best Album EVER!   May 20, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Crunchy, grinding guitars, driving bass rythms and pounding drum beats with just the right amount of synth and samples mixed in. What more could you ask for? How about Trevor Hursts powerful, emotion filled voice driving powerful lyrics into your ears. When all of these ingredients are combined it creates an irresistable blend of rock and industrial which may possibly never be topped.


This CD is a way for me to express myself in ways unimagined   October 14, 1998
"The Devil You Know" is Econoline Crush' 2nd Cd. This CD shows all of us a good way to express emotions.


Heavy but a favorite   May 9, 1999
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This album certainly isn't radio-friendly for the average music listener, but then this album is best experienced either in concert or as a straight sit down and listen to it all. If you can get a hold on some lyrics you'll appreciate it even more. It is heavier than the third album TDYK, but everything that drew me to Econoline Crush with that cd is here, with more adrenaline and pure passion. For first time listeners to EC, I have to encourage you to continue listening to whatever cd of theirs you have, because though at first the lyrics may seem too simple, and the music may seem too all out, if you are like nearly everyone else who has discovered them you WILL like the music more with each listen. It is then that the deepness of the lyrics will hit you, and you'll be hooked like the rest of us. Their music is harder than my usual taste, but the two cd's I have of theirs are virtually the only ones I listen to! In concert they are just incredible, and I mean it when I say it was the best concert I've ever been to. Go see them in the clubs while you still can. They've already been headliners in Canada, and were the opening act for a recent KISS tour. They are going to explode onto the scene soon, so hurry and get on the bandwagon. This really is my favorite EC cd by a hair. The opening track "Nowhere Now" is a furious, driven song. "Slug" is also a fav, but they all really are favorites and it's hard to choose. After you listen to all the songs a few times, whatever cd you have, Econoline Crush gets under your skin. Just buy the it! You'll learn what the rest of us are raving over.