Customer Reviews

New Release

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Well, let me start off this review by telling you if you already didn't know: Primer 55 broke up back in 2003. Which is actually too bad; from the sounds of this, their 2001 album "(The) New Release," P55 were on the verge of something huge. This is easily one of the most original albums to come out in 2001, a year that was saturated with so much faceless nu-metal, and respectable metal bands trying to be nu-metal (*cough* Machine Head). Those who familiarized themselves with the band on their 2000 release, "Introduction To Mayhem," will no doubt be taken back by what is presented here, which is basically a musical makeover -- for the better. Whereas their first album had them sounding like a Limp Bizkit cover band and put them into a heap of never-ending cheesy rap-metal clones, their second, and final album, finds them breaking away, thanks in part to a rebuilt rhythm section. Not to mention, the help of John Stanier, formerly of Helmet, sitting in behind the drums for the recording sessions. The only original members -- vocalist Jason (formerly J-Sin) and bassist/guitarist/song-writer, and all around, mastermind, Bobby Burns -- definitely mature on every angle here. The band reaches into so many territories that it's hard to put a label on it. Jason no longer raps, which is great, as he trades the rhymes in for a far more distinct and entertaining vocal style, even embracing melodic moments. Bobby Burns really is the genius behind the band, and his contributions are evidence, especially on the track "Pills," where he does main vocals, in addition to just about everything else. Songs like "Growing" and "Tricycle" are great rage-anthems about growing up that probably can appeal to everyone, while on the other end of the spectrum, songs like "Texas" and "Lou Evil" dip into some jazz and funk stylings and help keep the album fresh and interesting. "This Life," the only single from the album, is probably the definitive track on here. I never tire of it, and I am really surprised it didn't take them farther then it did (I guess you could blame lack of support from their label). Overall, every song has something unique going on. Primer 55 stretch the limitations of nu-metal in so many ways on here, that any rock fan could find something to grab onto with "(The) New Release." Too bad the band has split up (Burns is now in Soulfly), because I'm sure the things they could have come up with by now would have blown everyone's minds. This was probably just a taste of things to come, but in every way, a solid album that never gets old.

This cd takes a bit of listening to like, but after you do its hard to stop listening to. The best songs are "Growing", "This Life" and "Tricycle"

I hate the stigma rap rock has gotten in the last few years. Suddenly, it "requires no talent" and just plain sucks. well, that's not the case with Primer 55. They have some songs on this album that are very hip hop/funk style (except there are actual musical instruments, not idiots with synthesizers) but some that are just bone crushingly heavy, and if they want to make it more focused on rhythm than other bands, then more power to em I say. This album took a few listens before I really appreciated and it's still not the best thing i've ever heard, but some very fine rap rock. the singer's voice is distinctive and the instrumentals, while not intensely intricate add a unique twist to the music. a fun cd, but not for the closed minded

After checking out a bunch of the disposable (...) to come out this year, anyone can say that this was one of the best rock albums to come out this year. If you were to pick up the new 2001 Slipknot release, Iowa, then shelled out the cash for THE NEW RELEASE, you would agree on this would get at least 4 stars. It has a lot of good hard riffs, and all the songs are killer. Also, even though it carries the Tipper Gore proof of exhibition, it doesn't have that much of a reason for it!

I absolutely loved their debut "Introduction to Mayhem." Just great heavy nu-metal. I was really excited when "(the) New Release" came out. At first listen, I'd say I was disappointed. But that was then, this is now. This cd has grown on me a whole hell of a lot and its still going strong. It took time to appreciate this album. It's really almost a step up from "ITM" maturity-wise. I mean there's a few songs on there I skip past easily, but no way in hell can you skip past greats like "This Life," "Growing", "Pills" "Ricochet", "Texas", and "All in the Family". Great cd, just takes a few listens to adjust to the new Primer 55.

Wow, I thought Primer 55 would never develope a sound that removed them from the ever so growing pack of rip off artists. Their last album was very unoriginal but was still fairly good. And since I've been listening to a low quality version of This Life for a few months now I decided to pick this up. And wow, they've really changed their sound. It's more rock oriented than g-punkish this time around with more imaginitive guitar riffs and less rapping. The lyrics are also better, along with better singing to release them. There are even a couple jazzy songs. And I love jazz. They caught me totally off guard.

The piano intro is actually pretty creepy coming from a nu metal band. And This Life is a great choice for the first single. It shows off P55's change of direction but still has enough old elements not to lose their old fans. Lou Evil and Hesitation show off their new jazzy sound. And Texas shows off a little funkish guitars. Definatly surpassed my expectations.

Wow, the last P55 album was fairly decent (I think I gave it a 3star) NEways, "(the) New Release" as unoriginal and uninspired as the title may sound,is actually pretty darn good. It certainly renews my interest in the band. There is a definate leap in progress since Intro to Mayhem. Better music,better lyrics, a new drummer and bassist, both of which are very talented. There are some surprisingly Jazzish moments on this album (didn't see that one comming) Jason's singing voice has definatly improved. I look forward to future P55 music and hope they stick around, and hopefully keep up these moments of genius. Good work.

My highlights:: This Life, Texas, Tricycle, Lou Evil and Hesitation.

So these guys ditched the rap-rock aspect of their first album for a more mature in your face jazz fueled metal act and it works! From the single 'This Life' which is one of the best spousal abuse songs ever written, down to the funky vibe to 'Texas' and the aggression in the powerfull 'Growing' (the reason I bought the album and 'Pills'. One of the best, if not the best, song here is 'Lessions' where he belts about people sucking, you know the kind, the ones that pretend to be your friend and then stick yet another knife in your back, like his constant belting "everytime I turn my back I, I get a knife in it, I get a knife in it". The first seven tracks here are by far the strongest, but don't let the second half slide by without a second listen. 'Ricochet' and 'No Sleep' stand out as great tracks as does 'My Girl' which has a different vibe to it than the rest of the album. I just wish this band was still around...because they where one quality band! This will visit your CD player constantly!

The rap rock thing has been around for a long time .. beastie boys ?! this cd is good for its melodic sound . the first was more rap but this is less , still good . i like variety better anyway .. decent lyrics , most underrated band ever.. sad but who cares , i got to hear it .. thats all that matters.

Whereas P55's 1st album was nothing but overdriven rap-metal with no melodic sense whatsoever, "The New Release" sounds like a completely different band and puts most rap-metal to shame. Guitarist/main songwriter Bobby Burns uses many different musical styles, ranging from; funk "Lou Evil", reggae "Texas", and flat out thrash "All In The Family" to give the listener quite an entertaining record. Make no mistake, this is truly a metal record. Singer "Jason"'s gutteral yells on "Lessons" are as true an indication as any. But its Burns' skillful playing and songwriting that make this group stand out in today's bloated musical climate.