Every Day Life: Disgruntled (Alarma Records)
Gr-r-r-r-r-rough. What would you expect from a group that sets rap verses to rough heavy (almost hard-core) guitars and then throws in some appropriate effects? Your expectation is nearly what you've got. Not to say that Every Day Life is predictable. They seem to have built a large, angry machine that spits out words like a machine gun spits out shells.

One question I pose: How'd they get so angry? A guess based on their message would conclude that they are disgrundted over their view of America today. Expressing discontent with issues ranging from domestic policy to racial relations, they consider a side of every day life that most middle-class Americans have probably not explored.

Musically, each sound shouts and growls its way in and out of the song. While rhythmic themes and solid chord progressions are not uncommon to this album, don't expect to find yourself humming a melody. Rather, you'll find yourself chanting along with a chorus here and there. Fortunately, Every Day Life included diverse sounds and paces throughout the disc so that the album as a whole comes across as a very listenable collection of songs. Some interesting effects also add to the diversity of their music. Besides well-paced, well-placed rap, the lead vox man, Ted possesses an interesting growl/scream which seems appropriate to the mood of the music.

For those of you scratching your heads, wondering if this is just another 311/Rage Against the Machine sound-alike, consider the similarity no more. I too suspected as much, however, I find little resemblance to either of the aforementioned acts.

The final word is this: while I wouldn't recommend this disc to just anyone, I think that a mature Christian will sort out what they agree with and what they question. Musically, I am very excited that someone attempted such a diverse sound. This is true adrenaline.

Brian Smith
BSmith5530@aol.com

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