Customer Reviews

Burning the Process

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was going around the Linkin Park website one day and saw the results of their art contest and found my favorite entry. It was a great pic of the band done by a guy named Axer, so I went to his website and looked around. The guy was saying a bunch of cool stuff about his cousin's band Pressure 4-5, so I downloaded some of their songs off what sounds like maybe a demo tape or something because after buying the CD the songs are way different. Anyway that was about 6 months ago and I had been dying to pick up the CD ever since. I finally found it for 28 bucks in HMV(overpriced bast... nevermind...)

I like every song on the CD but my personal favorites are Beat the World, and Into Yesterday. Beat the World is a nice upbeat song that gets stuck in your head easily(but is hard to learn so I still can't sing along) and Into Yesterday is a nice slow simple song with such a catchy chorus I still can't get it out of my head. Anyway, I'm not gonna say "if you like so and so, pick this up" because I've never heard anyone who sounds like this. So lets just say if you like music on the hard side grab this because its sure to please.

I was watching one of those advertising TVs in the music section of a store. The TV was featuring Pressure 4-5 and their debut album "Burning the Process". The little clip featured their hopeful first single. I stood there glued to the TV tapping my feet and lip-syncing the chorus. I quickly looked everywhere for this CD. Finally I found it as one of those $... CDs. To be honest, I am one of those bargain shoppers (than again no body passes up a good offer). I was anxious that I had found a group that I never heard before.
Pressure 4-5 got its roots in Santa Barbara California in January 1998 when founder Adam Rich and guitarist Mark Barry were in search of a bassist. That's when Lyle McKeany joined in the deal. Joe Schmidt joined hoping to play the guitar, but was switched to DJing, but after a year he had hated it. Along on the ordeal was his brother Tom Schmidt who made up the drums of the band. The band finally let Joe play the guitar; with the addition they were never sure if the band had 4 or 5 members. From this they arrived to the 4-5, and the pressure is self-explanatory, any band has to put up with pressure. It was Jay Baumgardner (Producer of Papa Roach, Orgy, Slipknot) who signed the group to Dreamworks. From there they had their first record, which was not an instant sensation when released. But from what I found the band does have a large fan group (I can pretty much predict it 's teenage girls who are in love with the members looks).
The theme with the CD was Fire; examples are "Melt Me Down" and "Dehydration". "Melt Me Down" could be one of those songs that is to be a funny parody, with a chorus of "Melt Me Down, pour me out". But also it is a tune that is always in your head. They have their little anger parts where they scream at the top of their lungs, there's the softer side where there is actually singing, then there are the boring monotones of Adam Riches. I can't really say the instruments are the best, it sounds like the CD only has 3 different notes. I'd like to tell you what Pressure 4-5 is similar to, except I can't think of any band that sound like them. They are their own rock type. All in all, I think the album is fair, some of the songs started to sound the same and I lost interest. And towards the end, the songs put you to sleep. But if you're interested in finding one of the groups that is not classified as Pop music you should check it out.

You know what is worse than having a strong dislike for something? I contemplated that question while I was listening to this album. I found that answer. Having absolutely no real opinion. That is worse than hating something. Pressure 4-5's album `Burning the Process' is so bland and uninspiring that I don't really care to say much about it at all. I can't tell you what songs are better or worse than others because there really is nothing here to set any one song apart from another. They all run into one another with the same mediocre construction and lifeless presence that I'm pressed to find anything here worth commenting on. I mentioned in my review of Trust Company's album that the lead singer's voice was too hushed for me, too breathy. Adam Rich's voice isn't breathy, but it is boring. There is nothing about it that stands out for me, at all. It isn't bad, but it is forgettable, and his lack of vocal definition aids in this albums eventual downfall.

I pride myself on lengthy and detailed reviews, but seriously, I can't think of anything to say. Personally, I think that alone says enough.

Do you ever get the sense that some bands just try a lot harder than others? Or are some just flat-out better than others? Whatever it is, Pressure 4-5 definitely distinguishes itself from the rest of the flock. Each song creates its own character and, whether it is mellow or hard driving with lots of yelling, the listener will always walk away impressed. Get this cd before these guys blow up so you can tell your friends that you knew about them way back when. And if you have time, go to pressure4-5.com, email them and ask for a copy of Antechnology, an older, independently produced and released cd. It's harder than Burning the Process and it too will blow you away.

This CD is a nice beginning from a band that I just happen to hear about from a friend. I bought the CD on a whim and was completely statisfied if not impressed. THE GOOD:1) EACH SONG IS MUSICALLY DIFFERENT. I like bands that try different musical directions on every song, can anyone say INCUBUS's first album S.C.I.E.N.C.E.?, it shows the talents on each band member. 2) THEY PUT THE OBLIGATORY BALAD ON THE LAST TRACK. Nothing good can come from a band that opens their first album with a balad, even STAIND did not do this. 3) THIS DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THE PEAK FOR THIS BAND. Yup, there is only way they can go is up from here.
Now for the BAD: 1) THE LEAD SINGERS VOICE DOES NOT HAVE MUCH RANGE. For the entire album the lead singer stress his voice, something that you would expect in a premiere album. The only exception to this is in the second and ninth tracks where he does a bit of yelling; a nice change. This track is also the one that the band decided to make a video out of for MTV, so maybe this is the direction that the band would like to take.
Overall, I am happy with this album and would consider it a nice addition to my collection although not a "must have".

Pressure 4-5 - Burning The Process

Hailing from Santa Barbara, CA, Pressure 4-5 have managed to carve themselves out their own admirable little niche in the past few years, through a number of different demos, shows and their independently released EP, "Antechnology". However, one might be best not to draw any preconceptions of what to expect on "Burning The Process" from their older material, as quite frankly, the songs included here are light years ahead of anything they've done in the past, so much so that in fact one could be justified in mistaking them for two entirely different bands. Long gone are the more ambient, rap influenced dirges and in their place is a revitalizing blend of post NY hardcore in the vein of Helmet, combined with a shade of emocore, alt. rock and a dab of new metal overtones, which when mixed altogether make for a blisteringly aggressive slab of melodic modern metal.

Headed up by the slightly Page Hamiltion of Helmet reminiscent vocals of band frontman Adam Rich, the music settles into a fairly timid, yet explosively dynamic pace as Adam's performance is rich with polished melody, hitting with a harmonically detached charm through the verses that eventually funnels off into vivaciously potent choruses. The guitar work is full bodied with a sense of urgency and plays out with a kind of emocore meets Failure type of feel, though the tones and overall aesthetic tends to draw from the alternative rock/modern metal field in the long run. The riffs played however are quite large and driving, generating enough energy to singe the listeners ear hairs, while also soothing them afterwards with some dizzying effect tinged harmonics and ambient styled plucking. Meanwhile, the bass lines played are empowering and full of aural electricity that helps to bolster the tracks with a punchy energy, while adding a sense of conviction and depth. Drum wise, the effort is littered with a vigorous display of off timed hits and generally hard hit percussion that capitalizes upon thunderous rolls with a spacious playing style that generates intrigue and heady grooves. The incorporation of strings is also somewhat present, showing up on the track "Into Yesterday", and their inclusion definitely takes the bands craft to huge proportions, with soaring epic grace.

After only a few listens, its not hard to see how welcome of a debut this album really is. It has a degree of positivity to it all and sounds authentic as it combines aggression and melody in a way that is catchy, yet honest. The songs are addictive and have big choruses, yet they accomplish it all indiscreetly, sounding well written rather than tailored for radio. Sure the music may not be extremely innovative, as it does contain a definite influence from the mid-90's NY post hardcore scene, but despite this, it does call back to a time when musicianship and strong song writing were a lot more predominant, allowing it to sidestep the tired clichés of today's modern metal bands almost entirely. Truthfully though, their music may not be heavy enough for some peoples tastes and it can at times feel a bit glossy, but aside from that this is easily one of the most impressive and well rounded debuts to land in stores this year. Its passionate and motivational, utilizing both sullen emotion and positive aggression to penetrate the listeners senses in a constructive way. Perhaps its things like this that make "Burning The Process" such a gem of a release, or perhaps its the fact they actually did burn the current trendy process and instead set their sights on creating a sound that feels fresh in contrast to their contemporary peers, a feat which almost always deserves instant recognition and admiration.

(4.5 / 5)

wookubus

Pressure 4-5 released a solid CD. It doesn't have any rap lyrics to it, and the guitar work is classic. "Beat The World" is a classic rendered from time to time, and another favorite is "Melt Me Down". This track is Pressure 4-5 at their heaviest. It is a guaranteed buy to any person who likes nu-metal or emo or even punk.

2001 was the best year for great bands that haven't sold out. One band that got lost in all the great music to choose from was Pressure 4-5. With this CD they have set a model for all aspiring alternative bands. Ever since I bought this CD three years ago I have been giving it to everybody so they can listen to the genius that is Pressure 4-5. Never before and not since have I bought a CD as many times as I have this one (people just love this CD so much that I never get it back or it gets scratched up because they take it everywhere). I recommend that you go out and buy this classic CD. But I must warn you that you may lose it so make sure you make a copy of it.
Pressure 4-5,....genius

Pressure 4-5 is, as I said, 100% absolutely not emo. Emo is no talent whiny music.What Pressure 4-5 are is straightforward hard rock/metal with tons of songwriting talent. Not a single filler track. All songs are great, but my favorite would have to be "Meelt Me Down". Adam is a great vocalist and shows all these growling bands what time it is.I love the hard-rocking songs like "Melt Me Down" and "Beat the World"(their single), as well as the softer songs like "Into Pieces" and the fantastic "Dehydration". I have owned this disk for nearly three years and still love it. Buy it if ya see it. Five stars, PEACE!!

i have liked p4-5's music from the beginning and it sucks that they have already broken up-their brand of modern heavy rock set beautifully in my mind.

1. These Hands 7/10 not one of my favorites but starts the album off heavily
2. Beat The World 10/10 p4-5's signature song and their first single; great song
3. Melt Me Down 10/10 arguably the best song on here-choppy guitar riffs and soothing vocals
4. Enough 7/10 i will usually pass on this one
5. Dehydration 9/10 this song is good until he starts chanting "water"
6. Stares 10/10 great haevy track from the album
7. Pieces 10/10 their best melodic metal track on here-a must listen
8. New Wave 10/10 very groovy and flowing
9. Even Worse 9/10 p4-5 step it up with this one-heavy and scathing
10. Proven 8/10 ok song, usually ill skip it
11. Into Yesterday 10/10 great album sendoff-they do melody at the ending so well

i recommend you pick up this album.its a great addition to any modern rock fan's collection.for fans of fuel,shinedown,pete,and drowning pool.