40 Grit
Nothing to Remember
7.7
Before you run away screaming, 40 Grit is a nu-metal band. WAIT!! COME BACK!!! They don’t suck! I kid you not, a nu-metal band that does not suck! In the vein of Static-X and Otep comes 40 Grit, not so much musically similar to the aforementioned, but more so categorically, under “non-crappy nu-metal”. Maybe I’m biased because of the fact that these gentlemen are local boys for me, living in the Bay Area, but I hate plenty of bullshit bands from around here, and these boys are legitimately good. What makes this band nu-metal? Well it is probably the fact that they almost rap in most of their songs, although never fully Linkin Park style rapping. It’s more of a talk-to-the-beat, which in essence is a rap, but for some reason it isn’t gay in this case. Also, the way he sings is somewhat Puddle-of-Mudd-new-Metallica-esque in a way, but again it isn’t gay for some reason. The choruses and riffs are so damn catchy that you can’t help but love them. I have no problems with the music itself. The one problem I would have with the album - which has to do with its nu-metalness - is the fact that it seems to be tailor made for radio. Every track is 3 or 4 minutes long and they seem somewhat tame and geared towards the mainstream audience. We here at MetalReview are more focused on the underground, non-mainstream sound, therefore the 40 Grit sound is a little bit too nu-metal for us, but I can’t seem to find a legitimate way to dislike this album! It is as if I wanted to hate it because it reminded me of some of the complete crap they churn out on MTV, yet for some reason I can’t dislike it. I guess there is an exception to every rule, and 40 Grit is the one MTV sounding band that isn’t shit. Once you get over your fears of being a poseur for liking this band, you will enjoy yourself. I think that 40 Grit would make a great transition band for someone who loves MTV into the realm of the underground. If you have a kid who likes Korn and Puddle of Mudd, buy this album for him and lead him in to the Eden that is the world of underground metal. Also, if you’ve ever indulged in the guilty pleasure of liking an MTV metal song here and there, now’s your chance to enjoy the sound without guilt or regret. Poseurs!!! Wrathchild’s Choice Cuts: Bomb Bottom – Massively catchy chorus, bored into my head like a titanium drill bit Pieces – Killer riffs and catchy chorus Pull Out – I’m a sucker for a long song, so sue me
