(hed) p.e. – Back 2 Base X

Author: Daniel Hoyt

(hed) p.e.
Back 2 Base X
Suburban Noize Records
By Dan Hoyt

I was convinced for a while that rap and rock combos died years ago after Rage Against the Machine went under, but (hed) p.e. proved me wrong. They aren’t the biggest, most bombastic band out there and they won’t try to shock you or get in your face, but they can still make a great record that sounds fresh and fun, even with all the imitators out there. Back 2 Base X is one of those records.

It’s easy to classify these guys as a fusion of about a billion different genres, but since each song on the new album is a different style, I don’t think that’s the case. “Listen” kicks off the record with straight up rap, then jumps into Rage-inspired rap-rock and hardcore with “Novus Ordus Clitorus.”

What really strikes me about these guys are the lyrics as well. Frontman Jared Gomes delivers rhymes on culture, politics and relationships of years past. He can run the gamut from typical teen angst to a scathing attack on the government, depending on the song. “Beware Do We Go” is a pop-punk groove telling the story of wine, women and song (or in this band’s case, beer, punk rock girls and weed). “Get Ready” is a noisy blast that sounds like a rap battle quaking under the Earth’s surface.

Rap-rock combos may still be on their way down, but (hed) p.e. have honed their own contribution to the craft and have gotten better with age. From start to finish, Back to Base X is a journey that makes hip hop cool again when mixed with a moshpit, some loud guitars and lots of headbanging.

Rating: 8/10

(hed) p.e.’s website!

Tracklisting:
1. Listen
2. Novus Ordus Clitorus
3. Lock and Load
4. White Collars
5. Get Ready
6. Sophia
7. Peer Pressure
8. Beware Do We Go
9. Daze of War
10. Sweetchops
11. So It Be
12. Let’s Ride
13. The Chosen One

(+41 rating, 12 votes)

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