Although the cover for Justifide's debut CD features demented caricatures of the three band members, Life Outside the Toybox's meaning is far from abnormal or twisted. It's an analogy for the way people should step out of their spiritual comfort zone and understand the way the world outside of their circle exists. The band is on the same page with major label mainstream counterparts like Taproot, Saliva, and Lifehouse — combining hard rock, metal, hip-hop, and even some reggae.
The most enjoyable thing about this album is the fact that each song incorporates a different genre chemistry, leaving Justifide impossible to pigeonhole. In addition, the fact that all three members are still in their teens allows them to easily identify and reach out to their age group, both with lyrical content and musical freshness.
Lead vocalist Jason Moncivaiz roars on the opening cut "Change," while he incorporates a hip-hop tinged rap bridge during "Our Little Secret." "Hold Us Down" is a bit more radio friendly with distortion along the lines of Fuel or Our Lady Peace. "Still Cries" casts the band in a much quieter frame of mind, in which the lyrics clearly stand out. The tune speaks of a girl who gets pregnant at a young age only to be left by her boyfriend. The delicate topic is covered with tact and heartfelt emotion, and enhanced by an orchestra section apparently simulated by a synthesizer.
Heads up to Justifide for defying categories, and not being afraid to change up the pace throughout the project. This debut also shows the maturity of each of the band's young members, and is the launch to a promising future.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth April 2001Reviewed by John F.W. BaileyLife Outside the Toybox, the debut album from Arizona's Justifide, opens with a Pearl Jam riff that sounded outdated when Creed used it two years ago. It doesn't get better from there, with some P.O.D.-type rap-rock songs and track after track of banal youth group lyrics. Justifide definitely has the musical chops to make it big, but until they stop aping more popular groups (and learn to write…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Zik JacksonPhoenix teen rock trio Justifide sure makes a lot of noise for three guys. Just what the doctor ordered to clear the cobwebs from your head when you are in the mood to rock hard. Taking cues from P.O.D. while incorporating their own style and flavor of hard music, Justifide scores an impressive debut with Life Outside the Toybox. The band doesn't just make a lot of noise. The riffs and motifs…Similar sounding releases
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