Customer Reviews

Welladjusted

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to admit that when I heard the first Beanbag CD "Free Signal," I was intrigued but also a little bit skeptical. Copycat bands are a dime a dozen these days and Christian music is especially notorious for producing what amounts to "christianised" versions of secular bands. Therefore, I tend to be overly harsh sometimes in my judgements of new Christian bands, and I was wont to write Beanbag off as just a "christianized" version of Korn or Limp Bizkit. On top of all this is the fact that I am less into metal now than I used to be, and especially don't like most of the current trends in metal music. However,in spite of all this, I somehow had the good fortune to stumble across this album and I have to admit that I'm impressed with the growth displayed here. Both the music and the lyrics on this album show a great deal of maturity and creativity. For sound references think Tool, Korn, Deftones, and maybe a little Alice in Chains or at times a heavier Grammatrain. The music ranges between dark, melodic, almost gothic metal in songs like Limit of Shunt, Slipstream, and These Stains, to a more rapcore type approach in songs like Chubb, and Ill Minded. I personally prefer the more melodic numbers, but if you like the atonal and odd chord voicings of a lot of conteporary metal you'll find plenty to love here. Limit of Shunt, in particular, is one of the best metal songs I can remember hearing in a long time, and is definitely one of the best songs by a Christian metal band that I can ever remember hearing. Although I haven't had a chance to listen to the lyrics much, what I have heard seems to deal a lot with personal struggles and inner darkness, and has a definite ring of intelligence and authenticity. The cherry on top of it all is a great cover of Bjork's "Army of Me" which sounds suprisingly close to the original and lightens things up a little bit. So,If you like modern metal or are looking for a hard music CD that has intelligence and creativity behind it I strongly recomend at least checking this out.

I'll tell you when I bought Freesignal I didn't play it again until 3-4 months later. I only liked 2-3 songs after the first listen, and still don't usually listen to the entire album all the way through.

So when I first heard of Beanbag's new release, I waited a while for the first price drop until purchasing it. Well, if I had known the quality of music being released this time around, I'm sure I would've gone out and put a reserve on the CD BEFORE it came out! I was totally blown away and impressed on all sides. Beanbag has definately come a long way, and the new title is well deserving. Cudos to the boys from the outback!

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Beanbag combines the aggro energy of Korn and the Deftones with challenging faith-based lyrics, this Aussie foursome has won fans of every ilk. On their soph set, the crunchy Christians blast churning chords over gritty grooves, making hard music that's easy to love, with lyrics of comfort and meaning.

I was in the market for a new aggressive based CD - in a hope to pump myself up, and have something to rage to -, but I did not what the same old songs about depression and hate - eg Korn, instead I felt like getting something which could effect me in a good and meaniful way. I have been such a huge fan of P.O.D since I first their track 'Southtown'- that song ROCKS- so when I was looking for another band to follow I saw that this band Beanbag were recommended for fans of P.O.D. So I decided to check them out - buying their latest CD 'Well Adjusted'. THIS CD ROCKED MY WORLD!! With a style unlike P.O.D - I don't really see a way to compare them except for the fact that they are both Christain bands. Imagine a fusing of Tool and Deftones, with a little Korn mixed all together to form a unique and soulful message of hard core mucic, then you may be close to what this Cd offers. I love the way these guys present their message - with hope and faith - and I would recommend it to all people, the only reason I have not given it a 5/5 is beacause I have'nt had the Cd that long - and I like it best when things grow on me. So if you liked the first Cd these guys did, then what are you waiting for - the first Cd Freesignal got 5/5 and this one I think will grow to deserve the same mark --- what else do I have to write, get it.....it could revolutionise your life!!!!

Beanbag is definitely one of the most original bands I have ever heard. And, I admit, that the first time I heard this CD, except for the songs "Limit of Shunt", "Ill Minded" and "Army of Me", I thought the rest of it was terrible. But after repeated listenings, I started to like it and I started to understand the method to their madness. Then the more I listened the more I grew to love this CD. Beanbag is a band that I would term the "Masters of Dissonance". Their music is an eclectic mix of rock, rap, and jazz. The drummer and bass player, (the names of the band members do not appear on the CD jacket) lay down the rhythm that has a seamless groove that gets you going. This is no small feat either since their are various tempo changes during each song usually with interesting timing. As a musician I can appreciate the technical brilliance of these guys in order to accomplish this. The chord progressions utilized by the guitarist are original and outside the three to five chord repotoire of what could be termed their musical counterparts.

So, if you like a variety of styles of music (I can listen to everything from Glenn Miller to P.O.D.) and you enjoy listening to music that is influenced by mainstream styles of music but a little on the outside of it in its execution, then you'll love Beanbag. They are sort of like a beanbag chair. When you first get into it it's uncomfortable but once you settle in it, it fits you like a glove. This CD makes me want to buy everything they have out there. It definintely made a huge fan out of me.

I really dug their debut Free Signal, but to be honest, after awhile I had a hard time picking it up again. The songs eventualy became stale to me, since they weren't very melodic and heavy at times, unecessarily. I still couldn't wait to get this one though, and it took me a bit I must say, due to money and availability.

What can I say?

...Its melody where it needs it, and they still are true to their style though and have some more darker "free-signal" type songs on it. But they are much more bearable and have better replay value. I love its darker tone, and my fav tracks include, These Stains (best song on the thing), ARMY Of me, Dynamic Lifter, Limit of shunt. This is a record that works, every song fits, and its dark theme, artwork, and deep lyrics all mix for a wonderful sophomore effort from our aussie pals Beanbag. Their name has brought snickers from some of my friends, but their music cannot be reckoned with.

... These guys are not, and never have been rap-core. I wouldn't call that rapping, its just something totally different. LIke spoken word with more rage and angst. They aren't ghetto or have a DJ to be rap-core....

Buy this record if your into mellow dark metal with some occasional loud sessions and choruses.

i.e. Embodyment, Project 86, Tool, Creed, Chevelle.

when i bought there first album, i really liked it, but i grew out of them. but this cd blows their first album away. they have a better beat and the words flow with the music. i recommend this album to people who like mellodic rap and hard music.

First of all, I must say this album is a great improvement over an already powerful debut CD. Welladjusted sees Beanbag hone their skills in songcrafting, adding much more melodic vocals as well as more artistic instrumental takes on hard rock. But this is by no means hardcore or rapcore, as Beanbag embodies a style that has yet to be placed on the musical map. And the lyrics have vastly improved over those of the first album, evidencing the band's growth. Standout tracks are Ill-minded, Limit of Shunt, Dynamic Lifter, Slipstream.

I love the grungy sounds of this CD. They have a complete different style than what they started with though. And the guy sings alittle deeper in this album. My favorites are "Chubb" and "Dynamic Lifter." Very cool, although I think I like the first album better, this one isn't too far behind!!!

<Vapor>

This CD is a totally awesome, hard-rockin', fun! My personal fvs are: "Chuff" "Ill Minded" "Army of Me" and "There is More." But every track will get you off of your seat! A must-have for your collection!