@drenaline 31 would be twice as good as they are now if they were just one thing: original. The band has talent coming out of their collective asses, yet they don't seem to use it as they should, as they end up making music which is powerful and intense, yet repetitive and unoriginal.
The musicians' creativity itself is what makes this band work, especially for the guitar playing. Singer Rocky, though, isn't all that. He doesn't really compromise, he lacks a bit on his rap flow, and his voice isn't that great for what he tries to do at times, he tends to use his medium tone a little bit higher than he should. Guitarists Brad and Dan are a very important part of the band's sound, the guitar work is extremely creative, with massive use of pedals and effects which seem perfectly placed in each song. Most guitar riffs, even while being heavy, are very catchy and groovy. Ken's bass lines don't exactly stand out, yet do provide the necessary groovy background to the band's heavy sound, side by side with drummer Jon, whose beats could be improved, even though there are times when the guy sounds like a maniac beating his drumkit with his double kick pedals, almost reminiscent of Fear Factory's drummer, Raymond, on the song Point B. Another interesting fact is that the band, in contrast to most of the rapmetal bands, doesn't have one, but two (!) turntablists: DJ Romance and DJ Inc; something that not even Slipknot have (Wow! Impressive!), and that, in my opinion, is completely unnecessary, since the scratchs aren't a big part of the band's sound.
No complaints about the record's production or graphical art, since they're both very well done, not to put them down in any way. Let truth be told, though, @drenaline 31 has nothing new to offer. The band's music doesn't have anything that groups like Limp Bizkit, KoRn or (hed)pe haven't done previously . Actually, sometimes the band sounds a little bit too much like old school Limp Bizkit, something that isn't very good for them. That's perhaps the only downside of the CD; lack of originality, besides Rocky's skills on rapping, both of which should be improved.
Even though it's, overall, a dope album, Where It's @ can disappoint you at times, especially when you listen to these annoying "intros" that pop up during the cd, which are completely useless. Songs #1 (Intro), #5 (Alone Intro), and my personal favorite, #10 (?), that lasts exactly 6 seconds, are 100% dispensable. I can't understand why the band has put these "precious pearls" at all in their debut.
Stand out songs would definitely be 31 and Alone, which are both, coincidently or not, the heavier tunes of the entire record. In my mind, though, @drenaline 31 is definitely a live band. I can't possibly imagine anyone seeing a show of these guys and remain motionless during their set, because their music is so moving is not even funny. Not in a funky way, but in a heavy / groovy way. They should definitely try to record a live album in the future.
@drenaline 31 doesn't actually show us, the listeners, anything new and unusual, yet the band's music is so groovy and intense that I am almost thankful for the band's lack of originality. The thought of what the band would be if they actually focused their talent on creating something of their own, though, doesn't allow me to encourage them to continue to follow the path they are. Overall, the band's talent is hidden due to their lack of originality, which's a pity for a group with such potential....
(4 / 5)
