It's going to be published in an american zine (ill let you know when it's out) but for now ill post it here.
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Artist: (hed) p.e
Album: Back 2 Base X
Label: Suburban Noize

Californian “G-Punk” (G-Funk meets Punk) group (hed) p.e first hit the rock
community in 1997 with their self titled debut; establishing them as the year’s ‘one to watch’, followed by “Broke” in 2000
(in my opinion is one of the finest records ever made) which earned them
critical acclaim and regular spots on high profile tours. However, the sales did not seem to match their reputation. Next came their big attempt at breaking into the mainstream: 2003’s “Blackout”, this unfortunately did more to discredit them than popularize.

Since then (hed) p.e have been struggling to re-establish themselves as a
significant and vital act. While “Blackout” was a fine pop take on their
style of N.W.A meets Fugazi, their 2005 follow up “Only In Amerika” was a
ferocious, sexually deranged record that would unsettle even the most
hardened rap/rock fan. Neither record sold well, and they were effectively
dropped from Jive to Koch and then again to Suburban Noize. It’s obvious
that the market was far too saturated with Linkin Park esque pop metal for
“Blackout” to really make a dent. Yet none could predict lines such as “Cum bitch, cum!” and “A teenage pussy is a thing of beauty” that filled the lyrics of “OIA”. So just one year later (hed) p.e return again with “Back 2 Base X”, an independent release on all accounts (apparently even recorded live) with the bands die-hard fan’s word-of-mouth as it’s almost sole promotional tool.

While I honestly did enjoy “OIA” I was relieved immeasurably by how much more tasteful this record is, opening with the gorgeous “Listen”; an R&B styled track with lovely Buffalo Springfield esque guitars and excellently paced rapped vocals; “Tell me what did I find?” croons vocalist Jahred? The answer: your best song since “Broke”. If the band had remained on Jive, I think the label would finally have had the hit they kept nagging for.

Naturally it isn’t long before the crunching riffs and screams come crashing in with “Novus Ordos Clitorus” and we get some slightly more traditional (hed). The production doesn’t favour the songs; owing to a seemingly rushed production. The tracks don’t land with as much of crash as earlier songs like “Serpent Boy”, “Killing Time” or “Represent”. Although, the song-writing skill and passion presented within these tracks push through the weak mixing, and still provide us with a memorable record.

“B2BX” provides possibly the perfect follow up to “OIA”. It keeps the battle
against the industry and illuminati alive, while not being too purposefully
offensive (which on the previous record made their points sound more Marilyn Manson than Bill Hicks) and still doesn’t resort to the use of straight-up pop.

Songs like “Sophia” resemble Fenix T.X pop punk but have a deeper, Dead
Kennedy esque meaning about a search for knowledge and the power it brings. Whereas lead off single “Get Ready” is screeching punk aggression (actually an Eva Cassidy cover) where the band urge us to…erm, Get Ready. “So It Be” provides a nice blend of Biz Markie style raps over a James Brown influenced funk backing, before exploding into an eccentric outro vaguely reminiscent of “Doolittle” era Pixies.

It’s “Let’s Ride” however, that really gets the adrenaline going in the same
way that choruses of “I Got You” or “Ground” managed all those years ago, “So put your guns up player and raise 'em up high; it's a revolution; you know we cant be denied!” roars Jahred. This is classic (hed).

The album fades out with unique reggae influenced track “The Chosen One”, ending on a subtle but very touching high.

The band have managed yet another fine album, I recommend it to lovers of
punk, rap or independent music in general. A new album is slated for 2007.
Love them or hate them; (hed) p.e are here to stay.
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If i got anything wrong then please let me know, it isnt too late to fix it :)

Jamie

good one,

just keep in mind that there's alot of comparing with other bands and older songs,
people who don't know these acts/older songs will not know what you are talking about,

but that's all man,
good one

That's a very good point :)

I'll take that on board in future writings, I guess you live and learn etc.

Jamie

Good input Wedged... but for someone who does know all the tracks (not sayin' everyone should or does, but for folks who do know)... the review is great Jamie. Keep on keepin' on bro!

I recon the references are really good. They give your review and hed's music more depth.

really well written. one thing thou: I would mention "Niteclub in Bali" as well... as an extra and outstanding punky song.

I thought about it, but as it's not included on my countries edution or the edition of the country im writing for, i decided against it.

plus the review is pretty long as it is

Thanks though :)

Jamie