Blowin' 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 the steering wheel, my stereo pumpin' .rod laver.
Signing to Screaming Giant and recording their first album after being a band for only 3 weeks, it's no wonder that even a year later, the band has improved by leaps and bounds. If you're already a fan, I couldn't see you not liking them now. Actually, their new material will probably blow you away. But if you weren't impressed the first time around, you should seriously look into giving .rod laver another chance on this new album. The improvement is massive. The differences between Trying..., and their debut Essence of the Game, are big. The album is still hard, but it's way more diverse, creative, and the musicianship is improved too. The first thing I noticed was how much different the guitar work was. Not to say that everything else hasn't improved too, but as guitar driven music, it's made the biggest impact in my mind. One highlight on the album is a guest appearance by LA Symphony's Pigeon John on "All Around America." Check it out, and check them out while they're on tour this summer. Peace out.
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by the ProjectLet'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,…Similar sounding releases
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