Do Your Mind

Like most major labels, Atlantic was putting out its share of pop-metal/hard rock at the dawn of the 1990s. But with the explosion of Nirvana and Pearl Jam in 1992-93, majors were jumping on the alternative rock bandwagon left and right -- instead of looking for the next Bon Jovi or the next Poison, they were hoping to sign the next Nirvana or the next Pearl Jam. Atlantic was no exception, and one of the alternative rock acts that Atlantic signed in 1993 was the Charthogs. After coming out with a self-titled EP in 1993, the Charthogs provided their first full-length album with 1994's Do Your Mind. This would also be the band's last full-length album -- when it didn't sell, the Charthogs were dropped by Atlantic and didn't resurface on another label. But the CD's lack of commercial success doesn't mean that it's weak. Although not magnificent, this is a respectable and decent release that deserved to do better than it did. The Charthogs' songs are melodic, but they also rock -- in fact, a healthy blend of melody and hard-rocking aggression work to the rockers' advantage on "Hush Hush, Sweet Charlotte," "Clean Me," "Glitterworld," and other tracks. Also appealing is the Charthogs' remake of Neil Young's "Mr. Soul." Even though Do Your Mind fell through the cracks, it's worth picking up if you come across it somewhere. ~ Alex Henderson All songs written or co-written by The Charthogs except "Mr. Soul" (Neil Young). The Charthogs: Danny Pinnella (guitar, vocals), Mat Dennis (guitar, background vocals), Ric Markmann (bass, background vocals), Mauro Rubbi (drums).