i_INSIDE doesn't seem to venture too far from their obvious influences 311 & Sublime on this EP full of formulaic surf/punk/pop. Half the songs have a generally downer lyrical tone over a foundation of fun sounding music anchored by high pitched guitars and an ultra-tight snare drum. There is a short guitar solo, and some tight bass work that points to a harder core that is being candy coated.
After listening to this CD a few times, it almost seems like two three song sets (songs 1,4,&6 the hard set) (songs 2,3,&5 the surf set) were put together as a shot at diversity. The harder set seemed more fresh and original; while the rest seemed to be a copycat.
The bottom line here is The Mold That Shapes You is a 50/50 deal. More like an i_INSIDE exhibit A / i_INSIDE exhibit B split EP. i_INSIDE needs to take the time to find The Mold That Shapes them. They seem to hold some promise, but need to become more secure in what their sound is & who they are.
Similar sounding releases
2003Catch 22Dinosaur Sounds
1997Tragedy AnnLesser
2004The Academy Is...The Academy
2000SundryThe Toughest No-Brainer Yet
1993Galactic CowboysSpace in Your Face
2002Blood RedHostage
