Akron Beacon Journal
December 20, 1998
List of the Top 10 releases from Ohio-based bands in 1998:

6. Superkreme -- Superkreme (Acme Entertainment): Matt Sobol's sugary vocals have always been addictive, especially when combined with loads of rough-and-tumble guitar riffs. Cleveland's Superkreme puts out some great power pop like the title track and Letter Goes Nowhere and fattens up the album with some nice reworking of songs from Sobol's days with local heroes The Waynes.

- Glenn Gamboa

CDNow
http://www.cdnow.com
SuperKreme (ACME Entertainment)

Rising from the ashes of three semi-legendary Ohio indie bands (the Waynes, Rasch and Jehova Waitresses), SuperKreme mix tightly-wound guitar riffs with catchy choruses and a healthy respect for early-1980s guitar pop. What really sets them apart is that not only do they feature a strong male/female vocal presence, but both singers complement and balance each other. Matt Sobol's voice is a dead ringer for Matthew Sweet, but it's not like he can help that (and that's not exactly a bad thing); Susan Rasch, on the other hand, manages to be dark and sexy and playful all at the same time. Her compositions, like the powerful "Tea & Sympathy" and the cello-driven "Niagara," are all of those things, as well; while Sobol's songs tend to be more straightforward guitar rock, like the mosh-friendly "Invisible" and "I'll Be Around" (which features the best surprise ending you'll hear this year). If this all sounds like something Mitch Easter could have had a hand in, you're right. The R.E.M., Pavement and Velvet Crush producer brings his typically bright and crunchy sound to the set, which should give college radio programmers plenty of hit material well into next year.

- Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen

Consumable Online
http://www.westnet.com/consumable
9/28/98  Issue #156
Superkreme (Acme Entertainment)

Co-lead vocalists Matt Sobol (formerly from the Waynes) and Susan Rasch offer a two-tiered listening treat on the Superkreme self-titled debut release. When Sobol grabs the mike, especially on the standout "I'll Be Around", images of Matthew Sweet and Michael Penn and incredibly enough, an alternative version of James Taylor ("Letter Goes Nowhere") - will immediately leap to mind. But when Rasch steps to the forefront, a poppier version of L7 and Chrissie Hynde ("Dream Girl") appears in the rear-view mirror. So, purchasers of Superkreme get, in effect, two nearly-different standout EPs for the cost of one album.

Produced by Mitch Easter, astute listeners will instantly think back to the mid-80s sound of college-rock forefathers such as the db's and Let's Active and wonder how much Easter's production credits (R.E.M., Pavement, Velvet Crush) had to do with the band's infectious hooks. Others may just think this is what Matthew Sweet could have done in between "Girlfriend" and "Altered Beast" . However, the most likely outcome after a listen to Superkreme? Another spin in the turntable, and an amazement that the Cleveland-based band wasn't snared up by a major label's A&R department.

- Franklin Johnson

Utopian Forum
Volume1, Issue 1

Superkreme.. A conglomerate of several well known Cleveland area bands, Superkreme seems to be poised for national exposure. Their Alt-Pop exuberance, tainted with a touch of melancholy, brings to mind scenes of reminiscence, very similar to those I feel when listening to an old REM tune. Very Simply, Superkreme is a GOOD band. Steadied by the rhythms of bass player Paul Lewis and drummer Jeff Harmon, songwriters Matt Sobol and Susan Rasch give the band the combination of light and dark humored compositions that often turn "pop" songs into staples.

NORTHEAST OHIO SCENE MAGAZINE
October 15-21, 1998.  VOL. 29 NO. 41
Superkreme (Acme Entertainment)

Though Superkreme hail from Northeast Ohio, their self-titled debut release is far from regional in stature. In addition to signing with Chicago-based Acme Enter-tainment, the quartet has achieved a decent amount of early success with national touring.

While it may be a bit premature to give them a key to the city, Superkreme do show much promise with Superkreme.

One of the first things you notice about the album is its resemblance to the work of R.E.M. in their early years. With a nasally ambient voice, co-lead singer/guitarist Matt Sobol takes us back to the mid-'80s, when the aforementioned Athens, Georgia band was setting the benchmark for all alt-pop-folk sounding material that would follow. Not only do such songs as "I'll Be Around," "Swerve" and "Won't Tell Why" have the innocence and attitude associated with Michael Stipe, but the simple pop sound is musically very much in the same vein.

One reason for these similarities may be found in the use of Mitch Easter as producer. Aside from working with Pavement and Suzanne Vega in the past, Easter also was at the board for such classic early R.E.M. albums as Reckoning, Murmur and Chronic Town. This being said, Superkreme do succeed in giving their music a subtle difference, which changes the equation from R.E.M. plagiarism to being R.E.M. influenced.

Where Superkreme shine is with their other lead singer/guitarist, Susan Rasch. A good example of the precise harmony between Sobol and Rasch is on the uptempo "Letter Goes Nowhere." With its driving guitar sound backed by the tight rhythm section of Paul Lewis (bass) and Jeff Harmon (drums), Superkreme have successfully created a well-crafted alt-pop song.

Though Sobol is talented, the true musical identity of Superkreme is displayed when Rasch takes over the lead vocal duties. Whether it's the smooth-pop sounding "Mary Jane" or the temperamental "Hang Nail," this singer has the goods to give any song the needed emotional feeling to make it stand out.

With their excellent songwriting and delivery, Superkreme's debut disc definitely has something positive to offer the unstable alternative music world. It's refreshing to finally see a local band explore its musical talents. Then again, they aren't local anymore.

- John Benson

Audiocafe
Pop Disc of the Week
Superkreme (Acme Entertainment)

"For anyone who ever wondered what R.E.M. would have sounded like with Matthew Sweet in the spotlight, Superkreme is here with the answer. Guitarist Matt Sobol works vocally in the Sweet/Stipe range, while co-songwriter and guitarist Susan Rasch harmonizes and leads in the Chrissie Hynde vein. The pair's combinations are pleasantly reminiscent of Jeff Calder and Anne Richmond Boston and the brighter, poppier moments of the late, lamented Swimming Pool Q's, with the same angular guitar work and clever wordplay. Superkreme's debut was produced by pop wunderkind Mitch Easter, which should speak volumes for the band's pop cred, as well as attract fans of Easter's taste and talents, particularly his recorded work in the overlooked Let's Active. Superkreme have been working together for a scant 18 months and if this album only hints at the potential for the future, their next album will be astounding."

Enigma, October 8, 1998
Superkreme (Acme Entertainment, Inc.)

Gritty guitars and a thumping rhythm section describe Superkreme's sound on this ten track album. While listening to the album one will almost go into a time warp as the band's music and vocal style makes one reminisce of good early REM and Matthew Sweet. Once looking at the credits it is evident why you feel like you are going down memory lane. The band's disc was produced by no one other that Mitch Easter. Singers and songwriters Matt Sobol and Susan Rasch trade off lead vocal duties with ease in this exercise in great guitar rock and penetrating vocals. Makes you long for the old days of IRS Records in their hey day.

- Wm. Alexander

The Spill Magazine
October 1998
Super Kreme - "Superkreme"
Acme Entertainment Inc.

With the bite of a Rickenbacker, the ripping wail of someone slashing away on a high hat, complementary male and female vocalists, sweet harmonies and undeniable melodies all showcasing simple sunny pop songs about falling in love and other of life's little annoying frustrations, Superkreme, needless to say, floored me.

Like all good pop songs should, listening to the 12 tracks that comprise this album made me want to close my eyes, smile and float away for awhile. Containing shades of Matthew Sweet and glimpses of early The Ocean Blue, this one will be living in my CD player for a good long time.

- Arvin Kashyap, Editor/Publisher

AIDING & ABETTING Issue #166
Superkreme (ACME Entertainment)

Punchy, power pop with penty of throbbing choruses. Like the first Magnapop album, or maybe Sugar. That heavy, bouncy style. Just never a chance to let any contrary opinions to form. The songs keep flying out with no let up. Powerfully tuneful, muscular hooks. And, oh, those tight pop chords. Perfect for blasting on the radio or simply for rectifying a bad mood. After five minutes, only the clinically depressed could resist. And this isn't to say the lyrics are all shiny happy. No, I'm simply talking about the restorative powers of the music. I guess the name of the band says it all. It's sugary pop, but supercharged. Hard to find any points of weakness. Just blazingly cool tunes.

-- Jon Worley

Akron Beacon Journal
December 20, 1998
List of the Top 10 releases from Ohio-based bands in 1998:

8. Zero Parade -- Zero Parade (Acme Entertainment): The Akron quartet formerly known as the Heebee Geebees rolls out strong pop hooks surrounded by roaring guitar riffs, ranging from the infectious single "Lemonade" to the shimmy-inducing "Back Where I Started"

- Glenn Gamboa

Bite Me!
Issue #14
Fall/Winter 1998

Zero Parade (Acme Entertainment, Inc.)

***3/4 (out of 4)

Zero Parade's poppy mellow vibe will find a home in the hearts of college kids who are into this scene. With its swirling melodies and hook laden commercial contents, this album is an easy read.

- NIN

The Band Register
London, England
August 12, 1998

Zero Parade are from Akron, Ohio and are a 4 piece modern rock act. A great name for a band and a great story about how the name was thought of! Their CD kicks off with Lemonade and the vocal delivery in the verse reminds me of Orbit (A&M). The chorus really works well and certainly sounds like a US radio record. Apparently the band have sold 10,000 of their two previous albums to fans so far, and I can see why. They have a style of music that people simply love to hear. That's the bottom line. This current record has a great overall sound and some strong songs, especially the first couple, perhaps thatnks to a producer who as worked with some of the greats? So what happens in this situation when you've got a record that people are buying, why large companies suddenly take notice of you and follow you around the country to decide if you can sell thousands more of course, and add a parade of zeroes to that 10,000. You can follow their link from us to have a listen to them.

- Adrain Molloy

CDNow
http://www.cdnow.com
Zero Parade (Acme Entertainment)

"Lemonade," the first track off of Zero Parade's first national release, is a damn-near perfect power pop song, with a muted guitar riff building up into a glorious chorus and then an instrumental bridge marked by dumb (in the Ramones sense of the word) electronic noodling. Of course, the song is about sexual frustration, but you'd never know it from the three-minutes of ecstasy you hear here.

The Akron, Ohio foursome doesn't quite reach those heights again during the course of the rest of the album, and the songwriting gets a little thin about halfway through the disc, but they come close often enough. Check out the urgently churning "Reach for the Stars" or the goofy "Back Where I Started," which offers a terrific wah-wah pedal guitar solo to drive home lyrics that just might say a whole lot more about hopeless romantics than the circular logic of the chorus initially suggests. That's pretty much the story for the duration here: sunny choruses, great guitar hooks, and the sense that beneath the surface, all's not quite well. In other words, exactly what a great power-pop band should sound like, and Zero Parade is well on its way toward becoming just that.

- Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen

Dead Center Magazine
Zero Parade (ACME Entertainment)
Rating:  ***1/2  (out of 5)
Vol. 5, No. 13  October 1998

Ready for the bigtime, Zero Parade pop/rocks itself through its self-titled debut with a desire to write catchy tunes and probably make a few tunes. "Zero Parade" features 13 smartly-written pop tunes with a rocky edge and will eventually swerve its way onto commercial modern rock radio stations everywhere.

Songs like the leadoff track, "Lemonade," sweetly float into your head via your speakers and they never escape. "Zero Parade" never breaks any new ground, but differentiates itself from other records of its genre. Zero Parade, the band, also harmonizes well and the band's layered guitars greatly add to their sound.

The songs, lyrically, are light-hearted, but they flow well. Lines like "I've got a webpage and I've got a dot.com," pretty much epitomize the lyrics on the album. Reminiscent of the Presidents of the U.S.A. at times, Zero Parade concentrates on the fundamentals of pop music while throwing in some interesting musical twists. A dynamic band with a smart album, Zero Parade should sell quite a few copies of quite a catchy album if a major label will sign and promote them.

- Matt Levine

Enigma Magazine
October 8, 1998
Zero Parade (ACME Entertainment)

Zero Parade's self-titled release is an exercise in pure enjoyment. This Ohio group knows how to rock without being too serious, as many bands these days are. Here you won't find any layered sounds or difficult guitar parts, but stripped down good old rock and roll. The band is reminiscent of early Ramones and a young They Might Be Giants with more melody. Another bonus to this 13 track album is the fact that all of the songs are under four minutes. This to me is the perfect recipe for a successful rock album. Check it out, it's only a matter of time before they hit it big.

- Wm. Alexander

INK 19  Magazine
November 1998

Zero Parade
Zero Parade (ACME Entertainment)

Zero Parade sound like they belong on the radio. They're catchy, their songs are put together with a hauntingly perfect structure, and you can almost hear the radio deejay introduce each song and then end it with "That was the latest by Zero Parade!" That's not so say, however, that they're not fun to listen to. Most of the songs are about girls, and their indie rock sound and intelligent lyrics will promise to stick at least a few tracks in your head.

The album starts of with probably the best track the band has to offer, a song about the awkwardness of of dating called "Lemonade." Other highlights include "Keep It Inside," a song about "the massive effect computers have on the human psyche" that sounds like it was written by the Features, and a rocking commentary on sleazy women called "Back Where I Started." They drop their quirkiness for a large portion of the album and include a few social commentaries set to the tune of slower rock with a country tint that, depending on the listener, will either please or aggravate.

All in all, Zero Parade is an enjoyable band that put out a relatively enjoyable album. With the contrast between their quirky and commentary songs, it's almost guaranteed that you won't love the entire thing. Yet, the songs the band put together that you do enjoy could just make the album worthwhile anyway.

- Jason Feifer

College Bound
October 1998
What's The Sound Around Hear?

 

        Group

        
Zero Parade
Zero Parade ( Acme Entertainment)
 

        Who's Into It?

        
A hip blend of Goo Goo Dolls-like introspective rock
and happy beats worthy of study break blasting!

        Sounds Like?

        
Rock lovers and alternative music mavens alike.
Zero Parade scores a zero on bore and a 10 on style and funk!
 

        Who Sticks Out Their Tongue?

        
Hip-hop divas and dons will most likely rate Zero Parade a zero
solely because they're looking to jam to a different jive!

In Music We Trust
Issue #13 - October 1998
Zero Parade
Zero Parade (ACME Entertainment)

Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Zero Parade's four-piece set up is equipped to pump out heavy guitar hooks and quirky, uplifting melodies that are sure to ensure plenty hours of fun. Formed in 1993, their self-titled album is their first for Acme Enterainment, Inc. and their third altogether. Power-pop that is neither too light or too heavy, each song is it's own chapter in a book that ends with the listener unable to put it down and going further into it.

Getting things off to a tremendous start, Zero Parade tackles the confusion that manifests in the early dating years on "Lemonade." Heavily melodic and pumped up with beefy hooks, this song will tease your mind and play with every sense you have until it's done with you, then it will have you so addicted you'll want to go through it over and over again. From there they've got your soul, and they won't let go because they know the ride you're about to embark on will be an enjoyable one for everyone involved.

Never looking back, they keep the warm pop hooks plentiful and full of energy, as they stuff you full of some of the tastiest power-pop licks currently bubbling in the underground (or anywhere for that matter!).

The use of heavy bass on "Reach For The Stars" tickles my fancy almost to the point of exhaustion. As pleasurable as the ice cream man is on a hot summer's day, a good bass line stealing the show will always take priority and drive me wild. Mix some stomping percussion work in with some twisty guitar riffs and the song is complete. Not to mention the competent vocals which carry the song into the core of the mind. Breathtaking, to say the least. Just when you think you've heard a good hook, they combo it up with an even better one.

Take ''Destiny" for example. The song starts off as infectious as a cold spreading faster than rumors in an office, and then a burst of energy is thrust into your face, taking the song to a high plateau of crunchy riffs and hammering drums. A topic everyone can deal with, guys especially, this song remembers the perfect girl in your life that you pushed away for one reason of another, only to regret it at a later date. This song gives both the singer and the listener the chance to counsel himself into acceptance, while the listener gets the chance to also indulge in the misfortune and universal mistakes that many others have stumbled upon.

Their songs may rely on a lot of personal experiences and universal themes, however, they never let the past cloud up their future. Poking fun at everyone, including themselves, a lot of times they spin around a bad experience and turn it into a smile-filled experience.

Of course, then there are the songs that are born out of pure comedy. Take "Famer's Daughter" for example. Their take on the stereotypes that come up whenever the topic turns to country folk, they end up dreaming of "messing with the famer's daughter."

A solid album from head to toe, even during the rusty parts they are able to fill up your spirits and put a smile on your face. Now that's talent. With thirteen tracks on this album, and over forty minutes of music, it's quite impressing when you can listen to the whole thing through and not feel a moment's disappointment. I'll give this CD an A.

-Alex Steininger

In Tune Magazine
Waterford,PA
Zero Parade (Acme Entertainment, Inc.)
Zero to 70 in 10 Seconds

I've got to admit it, I'm a poster child for marketing corporations worldwide. I'm spoon fed everything that comes my way and I don't question a thing... Drink Pepsi? Ok. Sure, why not. Rarely do I seek out an original idea on my own, and even more rare yet, do I seek out original music (original, in my terms, means not played on local radio every 10 seconds).

So when I popped in a complimentary copy of Zero Parade's self-titled disc I really had to pause to see if my immature mind could handle something that hasn't already been beat into my brain via commercial radio. I feel as though I aged the very second I heard the first track. Zero Parade is a pop-friendly band with catchy, punky little ditties. A tad softer than Green Day, yet uniquely original. Each of these thirteen, 4 minute or less tracks are reminiscent of my college years. Expertly mixed and recorded, this one is ready for radio and the masses. A real keeper.

- Mark Eller

Songwriter's Monthly
November 1998

Zero Parade
Zero Parade ( Acme Entertainment)

Modern Rock lives on with this crunchy-smooth album of little pop-rock gems. Each song is wrapped up neatly with a number of hooks and nifty instrumental parts. Easy, upbeat music you can dance to.

The Spill Magaine
Toronto, Canada
October 1998
Zero Parade - "Zero Parade"

Acme Entertainment Inc.Why the hell haven't I heard about this label before. This is the second of two discs they sent us, and the second time this month I've been reassured about why it is that I still write for the Spill. You see, as a beggar, the Spill doesn't have the option of being a choser, which usually translates into our writers having to wade through countless hours of mediocrity, has-beens and never-wills. But every now and then you get a gem tossed your way, and Zero Parade are one such high-light, what with their big and powerful, all-consuming guitars in pop songs about falling head over heals with someone who doesn't know you exist and other laments from teenage - wasteland. More than deserving of a listen.

- Arvin Kashyap, Editor/Publisher

Yeah Yeah Yeah (a rock & roll magazine)
ISSUE #13

Zero Parade
Zero Parade
(ACME Entertainment)

Glad to see this column's obligatory "Z" disc is a whole lot better than the obligatory "A" one. And they're both power pop. This one's got "power" and the hooks are inspired. They also sound like they're not stuck in the '60s (sometimes a blessing, believe me). A real pleasant surprise. And the singer's got a good edgy voice. 13 songs, all keepers. address: P.O.Box 81491, Chicago, IL, 60681

Campus Circle Magazine
November 1998

Full
Hotdogwater Cocktail
ACME

It seems the purveying attitude of the members of Full is youcan never get enough. This philosophy in fact, seems to have fueled the title of the band's latest effort HotdogwaterCocktail, a term which asserts if all the hot dogs are gone the next move is to drink the water they were cooked in. A littlegross, but don't skip the disc, because it's a generous serving of slaphappy pop that will leave you hungry for more.

Hailing from Chicago, Full is a power trio of the highest order; its songs are hooky bursts of big chorus punk rock that never lets up. A lethal combination of silliness andearnestness, Full is an energetic lot who are capable of great pathos and goofiness in under three minutes. From the ebuillent opener "Pick It Up," to the catchy "Please Forgive Me,"Hotdogwater Cocktail is a blistering collection of songs that never skimp on heart and fury. Also noteworthy are the observations of a tired lover in "Pull Me Down," and the finger-pointing belated revenge therapy of "Dig #1." Another cool moment is the album closing reading of America's "SisterGolden Hair," which, when put through the Full machinery is given an inspired turn.

-- Alex Green (St. Mary's College)

ENIGMA
November 19, 1998 Issue

Full
Hotdogwater Cocktail
ACME Entertainment

Full plays straightforward smart-ass punky pop in the vein of All and The Descendents. Comprised of Mike Stone on guitar, Rocco Merlo on drums, and Fred Morg on vocals and bass, the fourteen-song Hotdogwater Cocktail is a nonstop laugh riot of youthful energy and enthusiasm. Of particular interest is "Music Critics" where the band thoroughly reams the ink-stained wretches who dare to disparage the work of upright musicians. A set-closing piss take of the America classic "Sister Golden Hair" had me rolling in (sic) the floor laughing. Highly recommended.

- Robert T. Nash