Solid State Records has released several CD's recently that, in my opinion, have been quite difficult to describe tersely. This one may take the cake, as I am still really not sure what to call these guys. The first track of this disc is quite strange, as it consists primarily of really cool guitar riffing and drumming with lots of spoken word, singing, and screaming mixed together as if it was in the background. The second track trades off between what reminds me of Blindside's slower moments and an all-out hardcore onslaught with some of the sickest vocals I have ever heard. The third song starts out with this really cool bass riff that gets complemented by some chunka-chunka guitar riffing, and the song in general reminds me of some of Six Feet Deep's more melodic moments. The fourth song sounds more like a heavy emo-core song before blasting into some sick vocals near the end. The fifth song continually juxtaposes melodic singing, spoken word, and sick vocals. The sixth and final song sounds nothing like the rest, as it is pretty slow, incorporating singing with screaming. These guys are hardcore, but they are hardcore in the most general of terms.
For the most part, this CD is fairly simple from a musical standpoint. 3rd Root doesn't do too much to surprise the listener with the instruments. Don't take simple for boring, though. These guys play their instruments well, and I really like the mix of guitar riffing, stand-alone bass riffs, and the drumming. 3rd Root is also very creative, and I love the fact that they have not allowed themselves to be boxed in to any one sound on this disc. The surprise on this disc comes from trying to figure out what the next song will sound like. At times when you expect screeching vocals, you get powerful melodic vocals, or sometimes even spoken word. Then, out of nowhere, the sick screaming ensues. Then a slow bass line will emerge, before being enveloped by some serious guitar riffage. Trying to figure 3rd Root out is almost like a game, and it's a game that I enjoy playing.
These guys are supposed to have a full-length out this summer. I, for one, am looking extremely forward to this. In the meantime, check out Spirit of Life . . . it may bring some spirit to yours.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestHere's a heavy EP that was recorded in March 1999 but released through Solid State only recently. The heaviness can't be found in fast rhythms (it's not fast stuff), but rather in the dark, heavy, plodding riffs. 3rd Root sounds to me like emotive hardcore played with the kind of vocalizing like the Deftones. So, the vocals are driven, slow and clear with harsh shrieking screams now and then.…Similar sounding releases
2000Broken FreeConducting the Sunrise
2000SeotaijiSeotaiji VI
2001East WestThe Light in Guinevere's Garden
1997Mortal ImmunityLife Machine
2004Inked in BloodAwakening Vesuvius
2004Society's FinestLove, Murder, and a Three-Letter Word
