Search - Primer 55 :: New Release

Jessica T. (jessicatok) from LINCOLN, NE
Reviewed on 2/18/2007...

Good time-filler for hard rock fans. Nothing spectacular, but well worth a listen.

One Of The Best Albums You Probably Didn't Hear

Andrew Estes | Maine | 01/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, let me start off this review by telling you if you already didn't know: Primer 55 broke up back in 2003. Which is actually too bad; from the sounds of this, their 2001 album "(The) New Release," P55 were on the verge of something huge. This is easily one of the most original albums to come out in 2001, a year that was saturated with so much faceless nu-metal, and respectable metal bands trying to be nu-metal (*cough* Machine Head). Those who familiarized themselves with the band on their 2000 release, "Introduction To Mayhem," will no doubt be taken back by what is presented here, which is basically a musical makeover -- for the better. Whereas their first album had them sounding like a Limp Bizkit cover band and put them into a heap of never-ending cheesy rap-metal clones, their second, and final album, finds them breaking away, thanks in part to a rebuilt rhythm section. Not to mention, the help of John Stanier, formerly of Helmet, sitting in behind the drums for the recording sessions. The only original members -- vocalist Jason (formerly J-Sin) and bassist/guitarist/song-writer, and all around, mastermind, Bobby Burns -- definitely mature on every angle here. The band reaches into so many territories that it's hard to put a label on it. Jason no longer raps, which is great, as he trades the rhymes in for a far more distinct and entertaining vocal style, even embracing melodic moments. Bobby Burns really is the genius behind the band, and his contributions are evidence, especially on the track "Pills," where he does main vocals, in addition to just about everything else. Songs like "Growing" and "Tricycle" are great rage-anthems about growing up that probably can appeal to everyone, while on the other end of the spectrum, songs like "Texas" and "Lou Evil" dip into some jazz and funk stylings and help keep the album fresh and interesting. "This Life," the only single from the album, is probably the definitive track on here. I never tire of it, and I am really surprised it didn't take them farther then it did (I guess you could blame lack of support from their label). Overall, every song has something unique going on. Primer 55 stretch the limitations of nu-metal in so many ways on here, that any rock fan could find something to grab onto with "(The) New Release." Too bad the band has split up (Burns is now in Soulfly), because I'm sure the things they could have come up with by now would have blown everyone's minds. This was probably just a taste of things to come, but in every way, a solid album that never gets old."

People Make Me Sick

Nicholas R. Stamos | Colorado | 02/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
This is easily one of the best Metal albums of the year.

It is raw to the point and just so damn fun. This is an album that you can bob your head to one second,while the next your punching a hole in a wall. Everyone song lays down good beats and kick ass guitar riffs, straight to the point lyrics. Everything you want in a metal album."