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From tampabay.citysearch.com Nov. 1, 1999

The ominous motto, "Greed is Good," belies their less-than-cynical style. Not really the epitome of capitalism that the name implies, Greed Engine puts on a fun gig that's marked by tight musicianship and strong vocals. Originally from the flatter plains of Columbus, Ohio, Guitarist Geoff Ford and bassist Johnny Ott recently relocated to Tampa and joined forces with drummer Matt Garden.

Their lyrics have been derided as "insipid" and "pedestrian" (the lead singer's euphemism for the aforementioned more offensive term), but can mostly be described as sometimes compelling, intermittently simplistic, and occasionally angst-ridden. Having deemed themselves a "mainstream-alternative, classic future power pop trio" (which is quite a formidable claim), GE can be best classified as anthem rock for twentysomethings. Although the band debuted on the Tampa Bay scene less than a year ago, they've earned an enormous fan base, or else have hordes of friends who overrun their shows in "Greed Engine" t-shirts. Driving guitars, churning rhythms, and flawless harmonies all work together seamlessly in a high-energy live act.

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From The Tampa Tribune, Oct. 15, 1999

Greed Engine, Blue (149) ** 1/2 

Bay area trio Greed Engine chose its title well. Even early upbeat tracks such as ``Pick-Up Line'' and ``Lunar Swell'' feature downcast lyrics. And by the time the disc gets to the title track the mood shifts from blue to black. The cathartic anger of ``Stupidkind'' actually leavens things, sort of. 

The occasional touches of Joy Division in Johnny Ott's bass seem most appropriate. Vocalist-chief songwriter Geoff Ford drives the songs with barbed guitar chords reminiscent of Buffalo Tom's better material, while drummer Matt Garden keeps it all anchored down. 

Reviewed by Curtis Ross

From Tampa Bay Groove Magazine, Sept. 1999

Greed Engine

11 Song CD Release “Blue”

If you live in the Tampa Bay area and like to rock, but you haven’t heard of Greed Engine yet, you need to get out more.  If you have heard about them, but haven’t seen them yet, what are you waiting for?  This band is playing all over, you have no excuse!  The CD is very well done.  The music is straight forward, guitar oriented Rock and Roll, nothing too complicated, and easy for the average guy or gal to tap along to.  The lyrics range from the lighthearted to deep thought, yet still maintain a sense of, “Hey that could be about me.” to them.  How do I describe this CD?  I would be hesitant to compare this band to any other.  Greed Engine is playing modern American Rock and Roll.  It’s a product they should be proud of.  Contact them at www.greedengine.com

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An excerpt from an article in Weekly Planet Aug. '99

     As for the band’s name, the trio is more than happy to sweat a little for a good cause, despite the money-hungry moniker under which they perform.

     “We’re not really describing ourselves,” says Ford of the band’s name.  “It’s more of a statement about the way things are, what drives things.  Greed is the engine that never runs out of gas.  ...we do like to play for money.  But (FACT) is a good cause, nothing more, nothing less.”

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From tampabay.citysearch.com Aug. 6, 1999

Their ominous motto, "Greed is Good," belies their less-than-cynical style. Not really the epitome of capitalism that their name implies, Greed Engine puts on a fun gig that's marked by tight musicianship and strong vocals.

Although they debuted on the Tampa Bay scene less than a year ago, they've garnered themselves an enormous fan base. Is it just me or was every other person at the recent Rockaids Show at Jannus Landing wearing a Greed Engine t-shirt? Either they have a rabidly loyal following, or somehow coerced busloads of friends and family out on a hellishly hot day (which is impressive enough).

Having deemed themselves a "mainstream-alternative, classic future power pop trio," (which is quite a prodigious claim), they can be best classified as alterna anthem rock for 20-somethings. Driving guitars, churning rhythms, and flawless harmonies all work together seamlessly in their high-energy live act. Their eleven track CD, "Blue," debuted earlier this summer to positive reviews and is available in many local record shops.

Tonight they're appearing with Stone Ginger and Donnie Bennett.—Jen Robbins

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From Velocity Magazine Aug. '99

GREED ENGINE
Blue

     If ever I heard a song so deserving of a movie soundtrack, it is the title track to this debut Greed Engine release.  'Blue' starts off with a very catchy guitar/bass riff as if I can almost imagine the opening credits to a Quinton Terrantino film rolling through my head.

     The Greed Engine sound consists of a combination of pop hooks, hard driven guitar and bass lines, a rock solid backbeat layered with a nice melodic vocal and the occasional counter melody provided by bassist Johnn Ott.

     The band itself describes its sound as a mainstream-alternative, classic future power pop sound, which indeed creates a wide spectrum to be delivered by this trio.  Although I hear no Ted Nugent, the band does a great job at covering the rest of the spectrum.

     Great production thanks to Greg Marchek and Audio Lab Studios, with the bands consisting of Ott, Geoff Ford-vocals/guitar and Matt Garden-drums handling the self production.  The packaging on the disc could have this disc sitting on the same shelves as the national acts.

  Remember boys and girls: GREED IS GOOD!  The band continues to pack the houses in the Tampa Bay clubs with their evergrowing following and thanks to this release, GE speaking three chords and the truth just could very well be the next big thing out of the Bay area.

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From FOCUS Magazine June 10-23, 1999

Greed Engine
Blue
149 Records

Two guys from Ohio and one guy from The Junkyard Dogs make rambunctious, straight-up rawk n’ roll that’s equally at home in college bars, stoners’ cars or the best keggers you can recall. The full-length Blue (eleven tracks) showcases an ability, and an ear for the good stuff, that sometimes gets buried in this trio’s always-loud, sometimes-loose live set - the performances are spot-on, the harmonies flawless, and both the quality of the songs and changes of mood come across much more readily here than they do at yer average voluminous, beer-soaked, all-about-the-fun gig. The shadowed, moody vibe of ‘Blue’ (with its clever sonic nod to the best of Seventies dirge), ‘Jerk’, and ‘I Call Her Name’ surprise, but don’t jar when set next to the upbeat, Cowboy Mouth-esque dirtpawp that dominates (‘Pick-up Line’ and the excellent ‘Stupidkind’ are standouts). Everything’s cool, and presented boldly by the sparse, naked mix (you can actually hear the space between the guitar and bass amps), courtesy of Greg Marchak and AudioLab, that’s perfectly matched to the trio’s simple-but-effective open-chorded dynamic: great tones all around, super-raw without sounding, you know, like shit, allowing GE to meander quite a ways into postalt territory and still sound like themselves. And, as hooky or angsty as they sometimes get, what they are is a modern-rock three-piece with songwriting skills that definitely bear investigation, and a far above-average debut.
(149 Records, P.O. Box 20595, St Pete, 33742, www.greedengine.com)
Scott Harrell

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