From Indie-Music.com Send More Paramedics... The stuff of your best nightmares. The Payoff puts the pedal to the metal and never looks back, leaving you wet and bedraggled in a heap on the floor as the CD careens to an end. It ain’t safe out here, even a little bit. The Payoff is a three-piece hardcore punk band roaring out of the hills of Alabama: Tim Fazier on guitar and lead vocals that actually lead, Matt Weber on power bass, and Dave Howse burns on drums. Punk in the sense that it’s all white-knuckle aggression and power rhythms, but absent the usual punk clichés, and flavored heavily with modern rock’s sonic ferociousness and energetic melodies. Track one “J. Fox” roars up in style, announcing its freshness with an opening blend of melodic drums and distorted guitars before pounding its way into a passionate assault of sweat and tears that leaves you breathless. Second track “Radio Trash” stuns you with its note-bending ferocity, Howse’s pounding drum work becoming your own pulse, even as Frazier’s angry lyrics rip out what’s left of your guts. “Cut the Rope,” a fast and focused attack, Weber’s bass cutting through with stern surety. “Rhetoric” is a standout cut, getting to the “heart of the matter” with blistering drums and guitar work that slashes and burns its way through everything in sight. Track 5, “We Are Feral Children,” is full of surprises: distorted guitar riffs that you feel in your bones, solid drums that leave you wanting only more, and Frazier’s impassioned vocals that could rouse the dead. This track seals the deal, as if there was still any question, an outstanding declaration of intuitive independence. The bonus track is a live recording from an earlier compilation album, but the sound isn’t great and it doesn’t add anything to the CD, which was perfection without it. But it’s really hard to complain about too much of The Payoff, isn’t it? http://www.beenpaidoff.com         By Kevan Breitinger ################################################## From Absolutepunk.net, www.absolutepunk.net Send More Paramedics... The Payoff describe themselves as a hard rock band, although I detest that use here, as it brings to mind too much awful imagery and memories. The spirit of their desire to use this label, though, is a good one: they would rather not be pigeon-holed by genre classifications, so they go with one so large that it becomes a null issue. It really doesn’t do them justice though, because this band shows lots of promise, and their self-released EP, Send More Paramedics is a solid and enjoyable start. There are plenty of bands on labels now that aren’t nearly this good, so hopefully this EP garners some attention. The Payoff offer a nice mix of aggressiveness while maintaining nice melody throughout the songs. The vocals, which are always a point of contention in unsigned bands I’ve found, are excellent. They are sung with a good amount of force, oftentimes coming off as a clean yell, but always keeping a melody to them. The songs themselves offer a good mixture of elements, so nothing just runs together. The drumming is clear and powerful, driving the songs forward alongside the nicely mixed guitars. It sounds surprisingly well put together for a self-released EP, and this helps the songs maintain an edge to them. “J. Fox” starts the album off, with drums and feedback fading in, finally relenting to a catchy riff before the vocals enter. The vocals fit the music well, the shouted singing coming through the speakers cleanly, giving a good weight to the song, while the occasional background vocals add some catchiness here and there. The drums keep things simple and pulsating, driving the song in the background, as the song follows a simple, yet effective pattern. The song takes its time to slowly wind down, and is never overanxious. “Radio Trash” follows, keeping the energy high as the vocals build. “Rhetoric” opens with an ominous drum roll and some spoken/yelled vocals, building into a quick climax before moving right back again. “We Are Feral Children” offers a good mixture, starting more down-tempo and building into more aggressive parts before moving back again. Send More Paramedics is an impressive showing for a band not even signed yet, and it certainly shows more than enough potential for interest to be piqued. The songs are all mature and well structured. The vocals are strong and carry the songs with ease, while the drums are interesting without being obtrusive. All this is from a three-piece, as well, which makes it all the more impressive. The live bonus track is a nice addition, even though its quality isn’t up to par with the rest of the EP. If you’re up for a solid, unsigned band to check out, The Payoff offer accessible, and aggressive songs with plenty of potential. ##################################################   From Deep Fry Bonanza, http://dfbpunk.com/ Send More Paramedics... Here we have yet another band who proves my theory that bands from rural America are tighter, more aggressive and more original than bands who grow up with an already-established scene to lean on. The Payoff are from bumf**k, Alabama and even though they don't seem to have gigged too much outside of their state, this self-released EP proves that they're a band you may want to take note of, especially if you like well-produced pop with an aggressive punk edge. That's not to say that the Payoff are a pop-punk band; hell, I don't even think they're really a punk band. Their music is all but devoid of contrived punk cliches, instead approaching the genre through its large back door that opens up into straight-up aggressive pop music the likes of which not too many non-punks make anymore. If you're looking for band comparisons, you're bound to be frustrated: sure, a moment here or there might remind you of Hot Water Music, At the Drive-In or even Naked Raygun, but it all comes together as something wholly its own. My only real complaint about this EP is that the Payoff might benefit from more economical, punk-influenced song structures. Three of the six tracks here top or come close to topping the five-minute mark, which I think is just way too long for this type of song. However, if these guys can trim off a little bit of the fat and work on really developing one or two ideas per song instead of jumping hyperactively from part to part they're going to be something to reckon with. ##################################################   From Read Magazine, www.readmag.com Send More Paramedics... Fast-paced indie punk with melodic vocals and VERY good, driving drumming. This seems like a demo, but the production is great. They sound better than most signed bands in this genre. ##################################################   From Birmingham Buzz, www.bhambuzz.com “It’s worth the sweat and tears”. More than mere song lyrics, this line could be the official motto for hard-working local punk trio The Payoff. Led by hyper-kinetic guitarist and vocalist Tim Frazier, The Payoff play hard-charging, old school punk rock that has many influences but sounds like nothing else. Complementing Frazier is the sonically-pleasing duo of bassist/backing vocalist Matt Weber and drummer/backing vocalist Dave Howse. The band has shared the stage with the legendary punk groups Fear and Avail, and one of their standout songs (“To Fail and Fall Apart”) appeared on the local compilation “Boxcars On 1st” (which I reviewed last year). The Payoff has recently released a five-song EP entitled “Send More Paramedics”, aptly named, for this is heart-pounding music that will leave you breathless. These songs showcase The Payoff’s sound, which combines hardcore punk aggression (a la Fugazi or NOFX), with the dynamic melodicism of Dinosaur Jr. The EP kickstarts with “J. Fox”, a quirky yet fast and furious tune with an opening riff that John Frusciante (of Chili Peppers fame) would envy. The song slows down near the end, when Frazier sings in somber yet urgent introspection, asking: "Have all these arrows gone astray? Did any find the mark?" The second track is “Radio Trash”, ironically titled since this is one of The Payoff’s more radio-friendly songs. In fact, this is what Jimmy Eat World should sound like. This song is catchy and melodic, yet retains its hardcore edge by including scream-along vocals and riffs that bite like a starving shark. The lyrics completely disavow punk cliches in favor of intelligent wordplay (“The time is at hand to plan a change or change the plan, demand supply or supply the demand”) and intellectual optimism (“ We can learn what the truth is”). Next up is “Cut The Rope”, which has a very cool, funky bass-line at the beginning. This song defies categorization, at some points reminding me of skate punk, cow-punk, and heavy surf rock. The songwriting here seems a bit uneven, but it’s a solid track nonetheless. “Rhetoric” commences with Frazier spitting out lyrics over a marching beat, building momentum until it blasts off in a burst of churning guitars. The lyrics are both philosophical and vaguely political, pointing out how biases can “cloud a clear mind” so we should “let the people decide”. The only weakness here is perhaps a tendency to linger on the same beat too long, which causes the song to stall a bit. “We Are Feral Children” is this EP’s apex, a cleverly catchy sonic assault that will resonate in your brain long after it’s over. It starts with a sweet bass groove and a riff so infectious that it should be quarantined. Suddenly, the guitars go into overdrive, and a feverishly chanted chorus sails over a raging sea of rock’n’roll. An incredible song from start to finish, this could be the breakthrough hit this awesome indie band deserves. The disc ends with a bonus track, the live version of “Lamar’s Lament”. This recording suffers from poor sound quality, but it’s still a good song, and a hint of what The Payoff is like live. “Send More Paramedics” will rock your face off. If you’re a fan of bands such as Bad Religion, or just a fan of well-played, energetic rock, check out The Payoff at one of their shows or go to their website at www.beenpaidoff.com. With this band, the payoff is in the sound, and the sound is The Payoff. -- Tim Taylor ##################################################   From www.fleabomb.com Send More Paramedics... The Payoff included a note with their inaugural EP that stated that the music contained therein is best enjoyed at high volume, and is probably not for everyone. This is a nice way of saying that if you've ever owned a Janet Jackson album, this album is not for you. The six tracks on the EP live up to their billing—all fast, angry, and definitely not for everyone—but to those who love hardcore music, butta baby. The screaming vocals of Tim Frazier urge on the already accelerated pace of the music to an even more frenzied pace. One of the best things about this album is the live track at the end, which gives a feel of the Birmingham punk scene when they thank Skeptic? and Fear before performing their last song. It really sounds like it was recorded in a friend's basement, which to this reviewer only adds to the appeal, because true hardcore/punk music just doesn't sound as good with studio polish. Any fans of the old school skatecore bands like Pennywise and Bad Religion will really like this disc. Get them at: beenpaidoff.com. ##################################################   From www.birminghamrocks.net Send More Paramedics… to hell with the paramedics.. send me more songs. The new EP release from The Payoff will send you on a thrill ride of an excellent blend of Hard Rock and Punk. To give you an idea of what you can expect from these guys.. take The Clash , The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and what appears to be a hint of Dinosaur Jr .. and you get a punk rock feel that hasn’t been heard before. The Payoff is made up of Matt Weber, Tim Frazier, and Dave Howse. Three guys who have found a perfect balance of old school punk mixed with modern rock. Their new EP release entitled “Send More Paramedics” will leave you wanting more. From the heavy bass riffs .. catchy distorted guitar riffs… and solid beat from the drums. On to the Album… Track #1 on this album “J. Fox” starts off with a very melodic blend of drums and guitar distortion followed by a very smooth flowing bass line. But wait.. isn’t this a punk album? A Heavy guitar riff gives you a swift kick in the balls before Tim hits the mic. The lyrics are extremely fluid and heavy. What you don’t anticipate hearing is a Punk singer who can actually sing. This song is arguably one of the most original songs I have heard out of Birmingham in a very long time. Track #2 – Radio Trash .. .an angry blend of gut wrenching basslines and heart stopping drums. The vocals come at you hard and heavy and will leave you short of breath at the end. Track #3 – Cut the Rope … very fast very heavy old school punk feels. Track #4 – Rhetoric.. After listening to this song I couldn’t help but sense that Dave has a slight influence from John Bonham.Excellent progression throughout the entire song. Great song to have playing while racing someone. fe·ral (fîr l, f r -) adj. 1. Existing in a Wild or Untamed State. 2. Having returned to an untamed state from domestication Track #5 “We are Feral Children” This is hands down my favorite song of the album. From the changing progressions of the guitar riffs, the pounding yet soothing bassline and a drum beat that is just off beat enough to take me back to the old days of the Violent Femmes. In my opinion this is the signature song of this CD I absolutely love this song. Lamar’s Lament – This is a bonus track. A Live recording of Lamar’s Lament which already been on a compilation album. The sound isn’t that great and doesn’t do this song justice @ all. But it’s still a solid closer to a good album I would recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for something different or to the old school punk fan. To the credit of “The Payoff” they are playing what is true to them and not what gets shoved down our throats on the local radio. Keep Rockin guys. Credit also goes to Josh Frazier in co writing Rhetoric, We are Feral Children and Lamar’s Lament. be sure to check out their website http://beenpaidoff.com/

From Punk Planet, Issue #61, May and June 2004

"VA - Boxcars on First: An Alabama Compilation, CD

Another regional compilation. This one has bands playing folk, punk, indie, metal and everything in-between. A few of the songs on this are really good and make me think we're all missing out on some secret going down in the deep south. It's only $3 ppd. (KM)"

Buy Boxcars on First right here: farmcore@email.com

Here's an Interview with The Payoff. Tim sounds nice and arrogant.

Band on the run: The Payoff

Friday, September 24, 2004

CINDY PEEK

Birmingham News staff writer

Personnel: Tim Frazier, guitar and lead vocals; Matt Weber, bass and backup vocals; Dave Howse, drums and backup vocals.

What: "Punk rock, with emphasis on the rock," Frazier says. The band is from Birmingham.

Where you'll see them: The Payoff can be seen performing in Montgomery, Anniston, Montevallo and around town, including at Cave9, Zydeco and The Nick. The musicians will hit the stage Oct. 1 at Egan's in Tuscaloosa.