Rahway, Snitches Get Stitches

They always say to never judge a book by its cover. That’s never been truer with the new CD by Rahway, Snitches Get Stitches. The cover looks like a Photoshop project that a band member did in school. Ten years ago.

Don’t let the generic graphics fool you, however, because what lies inside is a terrific collection of hard rock that manages to combine some of yesteryear’s staples with today’s influence. Appropriately named after the infamous New Jersey industrial wasteland, the band seems to embody the area’s solid work ethic. Starting off with “Machine,” you’re struck by how the band’s melded a traditional hard rock track with a modern feel — it counterbalances angst-ridden lyrics with a hooky yet seemingly off-key chorus. The band does a unique balancing act, going from Mötley Crüe to Creed.

The 14-track CD is loaded with several solid rockers, mixed in with generically-named power ballad “I Can Feel It.” The song wouldn’t be so bad, except that it follows “Draggin Fire,” another slow-tempo track, and the both help to bring the momentum to a screeching halt. All in all, though, Rahway has made a solid album. While it may feel dated at times, so what?