5 People take on hardcore and metalcore, smear it with emotion and add a touch of modern metal to create something vehemently caustic and oddly balanced. Sounding somewhat like a cross between Shortie and Vision Of Disorder the group add an unorthodox funk element to create something that is utterly heavy and chaotic.

Vocally the album can range from violent hardcore styled buildups and work its way into screeching howls which melt into reckless emotion similar to Shortie. It's odd to hear what could be considered a standard metalcore styled verse eventually run off into spiraling emotion and calmed melodic vocals that can instantaneously kick back into throat charring screams in seconds and all the while feel natural. Guitars are aggressive and feel balanced tuning wise as they churn out sharp riffs that pay homage to the past as they let loose with self indulgent solos and fast paced riffs, laced with effects and gritty distortion. Large sounding and yet constantly shifting between different styles, their inclusion widens the scope of the material and adds a bit of variety to the mix. Bass playing is solid and works closely with the guitars to add an extra dimension and give the tracks punch although overall the lowend more or less focuses its attention to being part of the machine, rather than a flashy accessory. Drums are energetically played and are perhaps the groups most strongest showcase of the hardcore/metalcore influence incorporated into their sound. Pulverizing hits and fierce rapid kick/snare combo's really crank up the intensity and rocket the band to breakneck speeds. Some offbeat timing is utilized now and then, and the percussion is satisfyingly included into the tracks, meshing styles fearlessly in an almost Dillinger Escape Plan reminiscent way.

The band have definitely evolved since their debut EP, adding loads of dynamics and pumping everything up a notch or two to get their point across. It's vicious and rhythmic, while being humble and melodic at the same time, and with all the different bases touched on and styles experimented with, its quite an engulfing listen... on the surface at least. Sadly though, after repeated listens the band almost seem too eager to throw everything into the pot and a lot of the songs on the album feel claustrophobic as a result. Their willingness to revamp their sound and progress is definitely a plus, but the music can tend to get too muddy with all the various things going on at once. With a slightly more streamlined focus this band would be utterly breathtaking, but currently their message seems to be lost in the convulsing rollercoaster of musical expression they have constructed. They do manage to shine through on a few tracks though, especially with the opener "RRH" which has a somewhat System Of A Down on steroids kind of feel and grinds through the motions only to bubble over into haunting soft hearted croons. Another highlight of the album is the lethally potent "Scream", which finds the group sounding like an uninhibited version of Vision Of Disorder, slamming through the verses with scorching guttural screams and tapering off into more restrained climates. 5 People deserve recognition solely for their ability to grow alone, but the aging process is not yet complete, as it doesn't fully sound as though they've hit their stride and rather are still getting accustomed to their newly discovered abilities and talents. This release showcases a wealth of skill and the band will no doubt capitalize on it all in due time, as all that's needed is some general direction in terms of song writing to guide them to the top. If you're a fan of progressive metalcore and want something more than the usual pissed off toughguy approach, then you could very well just be one of the people who will enjoy this release.
(3.5 / 5)