[minus] have garnered a good deal of buzz in recent times and for good reason. Take the explosive force of the Deftones and blend it with ginger melodic grace of Far and the occasional reckless outburst ala Glassjaw and you'll have a good idea of what this band are all about. Strained vocals call out desperately, almost begging to be heard while gritty new metal guitarwork systematically attacks in succession with the force of a baseball bat, only to fade out of nowhere into serene melody.

Lyrically, the performance captured is both touching and unique with heartfelt croons that sound like a cross between Far and Glassjaw. The notes hit are thick and emotional and flow like syrup slowly layering the tracks with a smothering emocore flavor. There's a few times when the verbal aspect can take on an uncanny resemblance to Chino Moreno of the Deftones fame as well, but in the groups favor they don't sound like ripoffs, rather they just are that high a caliber of musicians. Guitars are piercing with high fretted riffs that break off into pieces, driving the songs with an "Around The Fur" flair that is both gripping and intense. Some huge riffs are laid down and re constantly rotated to avoid ever becoming tired, while the restrained clean tones used add the ever necessary dynamic punch. Basslines loom and once again take on a very Deftones styled approach with constant motion and a grinding buildup that could be akin to a hotrod doing a brakestand. Slightly downtuned, the tones can feel a bit loose and as such end up accompanying the guitar riffs with an ear pleasing depth. Drums are played solidly and utilize a humble playing style that is a bit brittle, yet by all means talented with an ear for offbeat snare variation. A warm medium tuning is in place to dull the hits, which in the end works extremely well, weaving together with the liberal basslines.

Some may be quick to brandish this band a ripoff of the Deftones and Far right off the bat, and those claims aren't totally off base granted they do practically rip off the riff for "My Own Summer (Shove It)" on the track "Father's Eyes", but it's not done in a malicious or untalented manner and rather it comes off more as a tribute that pays homage to Sacramento's favorite sons. This theory also ends up being compounded later on in the release as none other than Far/Onelinedrawing vocalist Jonah Matranga himself makes a guest appearance on the track "Hesitant & Polite" which goes great lengths to showing off the two vocalists respect for each other. There's a multitude of talent showcased from this red hot band and it's undoubted they will get somewhere in no time flat, their music is razor sharp and perhaps the only flaw is the distinctive nature in which their various influences shine through. As the band evolves and becomes more comfortable with their own sound it will be literally impossible to stop them. [minus]'s disc is enjoyable through and through, and once they manage to work out a few rough ends their incendiary brand of heartbreaking emotional aggression will be utterly irresistible. In fact, they couldn't have titled this release more cleverly as there's no doubt that they will definitely be going up in no time flat.
(4 / 5)