Communiqué - Poison Arrow

stephaniehimawan

Review by Stephanie Himawan

Poison Arrow by Communiqué: A Gritty, Unforgettable Ride Through 2003’s Alt-Rock Scene Okay, let me just say this straight up—Poison Arrow isn’t your typical polished record. It’s raw, it’s moody, and honestly? That’s what makes it stick. Released in 2003 via Lookout! Records LLC, Communiqué carved out something that feels like a late-night drive with the windows down, except you're not entirely sure where you're headed. Rory Hend (yep, vocals and guitar) brings an intensity to the table that hits hard without trying too hard. This album is Alternative Rock at its core but has enough electronic vibes sprinkled in to keep things fresh. Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that really dug their claws into me: "Perfect Weapon" and "Death Rattle Dance." “Perfect Weapon” kicks off with this brooding energy—it’s like walking into a room full of strangers who all turn to stare at once. The beat builds slow, almost hypnotic, before exploding into this gritty anthem. There’s something so damn cathartic about how Hend screams the chorus; it doesn’t feel forced, just real. Like he’s screaming for all of us. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why rock music can still punch you right in the gut when done right. Then there’s “Death Rattle Dance,” which… wow. If Perfect Weapon grabs you by the collar, this one slaps you awake. The rhythm is twitchy, unpredictable—like someone dancing on the edge of control. And those riffs? Man, they’re razor-sharp. What gets me most is how chaotic yet calculated it feels. You can tell Hend poured every ounce of himself into this track. By the end, my pulse is racing like I’ve been running from something—or maybe toward it. Tracks like “Evaporate” and “Dagger Vision” round out the album nicely, each adding layers to the overall vibe. But honestly, Poison Arrow shines brightest when it leans into its darker corners. Sure, some songs might blur together after a few listens, but that unpredictability kinda works here. It keeps you guessing, keeps you listening. Here’s the thing though—this album isn’t perfect. Some transitions feel rough around the edges, and yeah, the production could’ve used a bit more polish. But honestly? Those imperfections are part of its charm. It’s messy, unapologetic, and human as hell. So yeah, Poison Arrow won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re looking for an album that feels alive—if you want music that punches back—you need to give this one a spin. Just don’t expect anything safe or predictable. Oh, and fun fact: Rory Hend doing double duty on vocals AND guitar? Total rockstar move. Final thought? Listening to Poison Arrow made me realize something weird: sometimes the best art comes from people willing to trip over themselves to get it right.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: communiqu-poison-arrow.zip
  • MP3 size: 49 mb
  • FLAC size: 514 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Strays
Evaporate
Perfect Weapon
Ouija Me
Rattling Bones
Black Curses
Death Rattle Dance
Dagger Vision
The Best Lies
My Bay

Catalog Numbers

305CD

Labels

Lookout! Records LLC

Listen online

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Formats

  • CD
  • Album
  • Enhanced

Credits

RoleCredit
VocalsRory Hend
GuitarRory Hend

About Communiqué

American indie rock band from the San Francisco Bay Area. Communiqué formed in 2002, and consisted of all 4 then-current members of punk rock band , , , , and , with the addition of on keyboards. The band felt their new musical direction constituted an entirely different band, so they began playing as Communiqué, and did not play any American Steel songs under this name. In 2005, Gowan left the band, and was replaced on keys with . In 2007, Henderson, Massey, and Peck decided to return to a sound closer to their early punk records and reunite with original American Steel drummer , parting ways with Kissinger and Loewinsohn. The Communiqué name and songs were discontinued at this point. Members: : vocals, guitar : vocals, guitar : bass : drums : keyboards

Name Vars

  • Communique

Members

  • Ryan Massey
  • John Peck
  • Jamie Kissinger
  • Rory Henderson
  • Stephen Loewinsohn
  • Cory Gowan

Interesting fact about Album

Here's something cool: The album *Poison Arrow* by Communiqué is a hidden gem from 2003. It blends electronic and alternative rock in a way that feels both raw and polished. What’s wild is that Rory Hend handled both vocals and guitar, giving the album a cohesive edge. Tracks like "Perfect Weapon" and "Death Rattle Dance" showcase this mix of gritty energy and melodic depth. Released under Lookout! Records LLC, it’s a piece of early 2000s US music history that deserves more attention.