Justifide

Item: Life Outside the Toybox
Author: Zik Jackson

Life Outside the Toybox

(2001)

Reviewed by Zik Jackson

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Spotify

Label Ardent RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

hard rock nu metal rap rock

Phoenix 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 presented here have "hookability" that combines with some memorably sung (actually shouted or rapped) lyrics that will have you singing/shouting along while involuntarily bobbing or banging your head. Non-headbangers beware; this stuff will turn you into one.

Justifide is comprised of brothers Jason Moncivaiz (lead vocals, drums), Sambo Moncivaiz (bass), and guitarist Joey Avalos, whose crunchy axe chops give the band its loud, angst-ridden sound while the Moncivaiz' lend their songwriting talents.

Top tunes on the disc include "9 Out of 10" with its refrain, "You don't own me!" and the opener "Change," which sets the stage for the distorted, angry guitars that dominate each track. Veteran rocker Billy Smiley added produBonus tracks "Escucha" and "Gozo Nuevo" are Spanish versions of "Listen" and "Sweet New Found Joy," respectively. Think Skillet meets P.O.D. south of the border. If only each of the tunes had an ending worthy of its beginning, they would be stronger contenders. Often a tune ends with random harmonics or feedback, and sometimes seems to drone on. "No Reply" is the notable exception to this weakness, but is schizophrenic in its own way flipping from a ballad-like verse to a screaming chorus and back again. It is still a good tune, and "Why" which follows it is even better -- a metallic praise song for the new millennium. Just wait 'til you hear the double kick drums at the end!

Even with its minor shortcomings, Life Outside the Toybox illustrates that Justifide will definitely make a mark on the hard music scene, and gives us hope that all teenage boys don't aspire to be in a "new millennium pop" boy band.

3.5 tocks