Check Engine - Check Engine

Review by Cassandra Silveira

Check Engine – Check Engine Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Math Rock Released: 2002 | Label: Southern Records, Sickroom Records There’s something about Check Engine's self-titled debut that feels like a hidden gem from the early 2000s. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, this album thrives on its quirky energy, blending math rock’s rhythmic complexity with indie rock’s raw charm and a dash of alt-pop accessibility. With tracks like “How Bad (Do You Want It)?” and “Don’t Make Friends With Salad,” the band crafts an experience that’s both memorable and delightfully odd. Let’s talk about “How Bad (Do You Want It)?” first. This track hits hard with its punchy guitar riffs courtesy of Chris Daly and Joe Cannon’s vocal delivery, which swings between earnest and almost sarcastic. The interplay between Brian Wnukowski’s tight drumming and Paul Patrick Joyce’s basslines creates a groove that pulls you in without ever feeling overdone. There’s no grand message here—just good old-fashioned questioning wrapped up in clever wordplay. It sticks because it doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet every note feels intentional. Plus, who can resist a song title that doubles as life advice? Then there’s “Don’t Make Friends With Salad.” Yeah, you read that right. If the name alone doesn’t grab your attention, the track itself seals the deal. Steve Sostak’s saxophone adds a surprising layer of texture, turning what could’ve been a straightforward indie rocker into something more unpredictable. Lyrically, it leans into absurdity, but somehow it works. Maybe it’s the relatable frustration behind the words or just the sheer audacity of writing a song about salad betrayal. Either way, it’s one of those tunes you find yourself humming days later, even if you’re not sure why. The production, handled by Mike Lust and mastered by Mike Hagler, has a gritty, live-off-the-floor feel that suits the material. Nothing is overly polished, letting the imperfections shine through in all their glory. And honestly? That’s part of the charm. What stands out most about Check Engine is how unapologetically they embrace their weirdness. In a world full of bands chasing trends, these guys double down on idiosyncratic lyrics, unconventional structures, and genre-blurring sounds. Sure, some tracks blend together after a while, but when they nail it—like on “How Bad” and “Salad”—it’s magic. Final thought: Listening to this record feels like hanging out with someone who’s slightly smarter than you but still cracks dumb jokes. You leave thinking, “Wait…was that profound, or was I just hungry?” Whatever the case, Check Engine proves that sometimes the best music comes from taking risks—even if it means making enemies with leafy greens.

Artist: Check Engine
Album: Check Engine

2002

Rating: 5.0

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Filename: check-engine-check-engine.zip

MP3 size: 67.2 mb
FLAC size: 571.2 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
I'll See You in Two and Two	01:55
How Bad (Do You Want It)?	03:00
How Bad (Do You Want It) ?
So, We've Got Some Balls Can Balls. What Else Do We Got ?
Nobody Ever Tells Jenny Anything, Ever
I'll See You In Two & Two
Don't Make Friends With Salad	05:00
She Asked Me Some Questions & I Answered Them
Don't Make Friends With Salad
She Asked Me Some Questions, and I Answered Them	04:09
Pain Don't Hurt	03:56
Where's My Social Worker ?
So, We've Got Some Balls Can Balls, What Else Do We Got?	02:56
Bold Style
Where's My Social Worker?	01:30
Pain Don't Hurt

Video

Check Engine by Check Engine

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Catalog Numbers

SRR002
18591-2

Labels

Sickroom Records
Southern Records

Listen online

lyssna på nätet
escuchar en línea
online luisteren
ouvir online
lytte på nettet
kuunnella verkossa
ascolta in linea
online anhören
écouter en ligne

Formats

Vinyl
LP
CD
Album

Credits

Role	Credit
Bass	Paul Patrick Joyce
Drums	Brian Wnukowski
Engineer	Mike Lust
Guitar	Chris Daly
Vocals	Joe Cannon
Mastered By	Mike Hagler
Saxophone	Steve Sostak

Notes

Comes with a silkscreen cover and an insert.
All Songs: Czech Injun Music 2002

Barcodes

Barcode: 718751859128

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The album *Check Engine* by the band Check Engine is a bit of a puzzle even in its track listing. Some songs are listed twice, but with slightly different titles or punctuation—like "How Bad (Do You Want It)?" and "How Bad (Do You Want It)?". It’s almost as if the band wanted to keep listeners on their toes, questioning what they’re seeing (or hearing). Maybe it’s a nod to their math rock roots, where things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Or maybe someone just got a little carried away with formatting. Either way, it’s quirky and memorable!