P.O.D.
When Angels & Serpents Dance
Welcome back, P.O.D. It seems I haven’t heard from you in awhile. I know you released a self-titled record back in 2003 (and I feel like there were some other releases in there along the way – I couldn’t honestly say I paid attention for many of them), but it seems we lost touch along the way… It’s great to finally hear from you again.
I’ve been listening to your newest release, When Angels and Serpents Dance, and I have to say that it was much better than I had expected. Given your last full-length official release, I have to be honest in that I wasn’t expecting much from you all. Nothing against your guitarist replacement Jason Truby, but when Marcos Curiel left the band, it seems like you all hid under a rock and put out music that was very typical.
It’s good to see that Curiel’s finally back! This being his first record back with you all, it seems a little more like the infamous P.O.D. that held TRL on lock and had legions of fans chanting, “We are the youth of the nation.” I can’t say every song on the record is incredible, but I did find myself singing a couple after stepping away from the record for a while.
One of those was “Shine With Me”, and though it’s not technically your first single, it seems inevitable that if the initial track “Addicted” (which is less catchy and more rock oriented) doesn’t hit, your melody-driven “Shine” will be able to fill the gap that people are looking for. “It Can’t Rain Everyday” falls in the same melodic vein, while songs such as “God Forbid” (that features Page Hamilton from Helmet) can still keep the rocking feel to the album going.
It’s cool to see you brought in other friends, too, like Mike Muir (from Suicidal Tendencies), for a song in a tribute to your home state of California. It’s too bad the best part of that song is the break down; the chorus seems a little juvenile for a Grammy-nominated band. I suppose it was also inevitable to also bring the Melody Makers (your reggae boys that usually back up Ziggy Marley) for the token reggae-feel song, and this one feels much better, more like you’re in your element.
I can’t say I’m obsessed with the record you’ve released, but in comparison to your glory years, you’ve definitely managed to channel those sentiments and put out a record that has the potential to have people say, “That’s the record I expected P.O.D. to make” – in a good way. [COLUMBIA RECORDS] David Stagg
This album review was originally published in the May/June Issue (#131) of HM Magazine. You can order the Print Version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. You can NOW read this entire feature in the online edition of HM Magazine. If you're a subscriber, you get a free online/digital subscription with your print subscription. If you're a subscriber and you don't have or misplaced your password, give us an email and we'll get you that info. You can purchase a single online/digital edition (which includes access to back issues) for only $1.99. A one-year digital-only subscription can be had for only $6.
©2008 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
Return to Album Reviews
Comments
By Dread at Heart
Such negative vibes, especially when referring to the 2 Truby albums as well as referring to the reggae cut as "token"(What does HM know about Reggae anyways?). But what can i expect from the one dimensional view of an HM reviewer?
By Dan
Very one dimensional review. Sounds like the reviewer didn't give the Cd a decent listen, as most of the tracks weren't even mentioned...
I find it funny how they refer to a 'past time' where P.O.D. 'once ruled TRL'. Quote me if i'm wrong, but didn't the first single of their last Album Testify (Best album in my view) 'Rule TRL'??? Yes im sure it did. Which means that this reviewer has been hiding under a rock and NOT POD!!!
Poor review HM, thought you could do better...Very uninformed
By Yon
Wow... the Two Truby albums (Truby the legend behind Living Sacrifice, ANOTHER HM magazine legend),were very good, and one of them was their second best selling album...This reviewer has no idea?? Why not get a reviewer who actually knows what they are talking about? No offense HM, but this review is a tad sad..
By Dave Cook
I love POD. I adore Living Sacrifice. And I thought this review was fair. I haven't heard the album yet, but I too was disappointed with the radio-friendly nature of the past two albums, and thought that the reviewer's reflections on them were a good departure point for referencing the new album. I'm looking forward to getting it soon and enjoying the highs, and accepting the lows graciously. They are, after all, human. And that's why we love them. And be nice to the reviewer - it's actually not the easiest job in the world (and note - he has to put his name to his review, but most blog comments are relatively anonymous - it's much easier to criticise from the safety of anonymity).
By Jared
I was confused that you gave this a four and a half in your review ... It sounds like this deserves a two from your review ?
By Joel Pokorny
I didn't care too much for "Payable On Death" album but "Testify" I think is one of their best ones along with their first and second one on Atlantic. WAASD is a great album.
By ecdsdjtvtp
FZieCa nqwogdmjpucx, [url=http://ymkmynufmaal.com/]ymkmynufmaal[/url], [link=http://ebqdgxbwnzuo.com/]ebqdgxbwnzuo[/link], http://gcnuvmekkcxp.com/
Post a comment
