Thumb managed to make some considerable waves stateside with their excellent 98 release, "Exposure", but things have changed quite a bit since those days and with the pairing of rap and rock now being done extensively; "3" finds the band boldly progressing into new territory. In fact, they seem to have almost ditched the rapping aspect of their sound altogether on this release and are now treading more along the lines of a melodic Helmet, coupled with a new metal edge.

Band vocalist Claus intelligently uses his sharp, grating voice that comes flush with tones of underlying resentment as he aggressively forces out his words, making even drawn out vocal melodies sound a shade bitter. Guitar work is an interesting amalgamation of brash Helmet meets Quicksand styled riffery that receives an extra boost from the chunky new metal distortion and pugnacious demeanor it enlists. While, bass wise, the songs are layered with a moderately downtuned spread of thick lowend that for the most part, mimics the guitars lead, building up a smooth roomy depth. Percussion is enthusiastically played, filled with constantly varied beats that help add energy to the each and every song, while also ensuring a steady progression. Rounding out the bands line up is a dash of ambient styled turntable work, which although is a lot less prevalent than on the bands past outings, still manages to colorfully make its way into the mix occasionally.

It's good to see that a band like Thumb can continue to grow and evolve as musicians and that they aren't afraid to try out new things, even with a bit of success already under their belts. However, its not so much big steps forward they are making here, rather that they are opting to head backwards in a more traditional direction, nurturing a heavy mid-90's post NY hardcore influence and crossing it with the more aggressive sounds of today. Songs like, "Down Like Me" are inherently catchy and could have easily fit on their last effort, while songs like "Break My Back" firmly represent the new style they've progressed in. Unfortunately though, overall "3" is a solid album and not a lot more. Sure there's some catchy hooks and a few interesting riffs, but the songs tend to fail at capturing any solid interest and can feel a bit bland, even turgid as a whole. It's not that the band aren't trying though, there is indeed passion in their music. It just seems like they aren't totally comfortable with the new ideas they have taken on yet, which at times causes them almost aimlessly wander through the songs. This is an album that doesn't offer much middle ground, it will most likely impress the fans of old or turn them off completely. It most definitely sounds different from the bulk of music out there, but it also leaves one wondering what the band could have done if they had stayed closer to the sound they established on "Exposure", and taken it to the next level.