Let's see, where should I begin with Trying Not to Try by .rod Laver. Well I did enjoy this sophomore release by one of Christian music's aces of rap-core. This Washington D.C. based hard alternative rap-core band came back to the plate and knocked another one out of the park, but this disk was a bit lighter than the debut disk. The bass lines are phenomenal and the beats are of a hip-hop nature, unfortunately I really don't like hip-hop, but this disk incorporated more. Sure, this disk made me move but I still hoped for more from them. I am still faithful to .rod Laver and enjoyed this disk, I could have used some more core, or some harder guitar work. The guitars are tight and are very hip-hop. They do get hard in chorus, but not as hard as the debut.
Screaming Giant Records, home of most of the elite Christian punk bands, made a good move in signing a rap-core band with .rod Laver's dimension and style. I did enjoy the beats and rhymes and will say that Rudy is a tight MC. He can carry a phat freestyle better than most of the best rappers. The band sounds a bit like Limp Bizkit with a better MC.
My favorite tune is "Brain Dead". It has equal parts funny and serious rhymes about the sin of pride. I gave this disk an 8.5. If you like rap with hard edge, this is your disk. Get it and enjoy.
8.5/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #84Reviewed by Tim McCreadyBlowin' it up in the new millennium. .rod laver has succeeded in putting out a true crossover album. Heavy, guitar oriented rock combined with hip-hop that truly sounds like it's from the streets. Frontman rapper Rudy spins off a smooth flow throughout the entire album, making me want to get in my low rider, drive around downtown with the top down, slouched to the left, my right hand on top of…Similar sounding releases
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