5lb*Bag have made quite a name for themselves in the past handful of years since they formed. The group have garnered praise from many fans in the underground scene and this release proves that the band can still make interesting music that loosens the ties between rapcore and its funk influences even more. Included here is a melodic strain of alternative metal that is similar in nature to perhaps groups like Chevelle and finger eleven, but rather than stick to one spectrum, it is combined with a fearsome rap element that doesn't sound contrived or stereotypical.

Vocally the group implement a two pronged assault, meshing together a throaty rapcore with a harmony that could be described as a cross between the Deftones and older Liquid Gang. The styles are integrated together astoundingly well and become quite infectious as each vocalist plays off of each other's part. With both voices continuously singing dynamically different parts at the same time they manage to create a verbal rollercoaster that tears the attention of the listener in 2 and yet still manages to fit like an old glove. The rapped portion of this disc is somewhat of an anomaly, avoiding the cliche flows about how badass the band is or the ever popular topics of drugs and sex, instead choosing to tackle deep lyrical content packaged in a loose, free form technique that possesses enough punch and emotion to actually sound heavy. Meanwhile, the other oral side of this disc is crammed with melodies that feel stripped down and tortured as they wail out long winded hums and croons and erupt into voice box imploding screams. Guitars are somewhat modest and keep things confined to a medium tuning level as they carve out slightly Korn styled riffs, without the excessive drop tuning. The playing style is aggressive but manages to back down as well and support the groups dynamic plunges, while the pace is firmly kept in check by the constant intertwining of growling pick strokes and whirling high fretted ambiance that the bands two guitarists lay down. Bass wise the album features a generous helping of downtuning and chunky, percussive basslines that work closely with the drums to establish a smothering lowend. Not too much creativity is shown overall throughout the disc as far as the bass playing goes, but this isn't due to lack of talent, rather its just the tight bond and sharp focus the instrument shares with the drums and the thick rhythms created as a result payoff in the long run. The percussion captured here takes shape with a tightly tuned snare and rumbling tom rolls that really prey upon primal, almost tribal drumbeats to hit the music home. This all ends up being heightened by the slick syncopation of the bass string plucks and the thudding kick drum, which overall makes the two instruments almost merge into one well oiled machine.

Although the attention span for the rapcore style has been slowly dwindling due to the dilution of talent caused by lackluster bands, 5lb*Bag prove on this release they still have their own spin to put on the genre. The music could probably be best summed up as a heavier, more aggravated version of Linkin Park without the electronics or commercially friendly lyrics. The music is contagious, easily getting stuck in ones head after few listens, and yet its dark nature also provides a satisfying release and gives the music depth and lasting value. Perhaps the only downfall of the band overall could be the slightly muddy song structures. Thing's just don't feel as polished or defined as they could and it tends to keep the tracks caged up and unable to really break loose and ravage the listener. But for what it is, this album is still a shot in the arm for the pairing of rap and rock and its alternative overtones take the band a step above and beyond the countless clone bands that stagnate the shelves of record stores today. 5lb*Bag's emotion and viciousness may have been toned down a bit on this more mature outing, but the greatly enhanced focus towards a sweeping dynamic range has made this bag able to carry more than it ever has before, while its restrained use of brutality give it enough weight to make picking it up and listening to it a satisfying auditory work out for any fan of rapmetal seeking more substance.
(4 / 5)