EL PUS
"Hoodlum
Rock: Vol. 1" (Virgin; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
When I hear a rap cadence to the vocals on a CD sent to Rough Edge for review, I almost automatically pass it over to my good friend Snidermann who has a much higher tolerance for those vocal stylings than I do.
But El Pus's "Hoodlum Rock: Vol. 1" was different.
Backed with driving guitar riffs, irresistible and edgy melodies and lyrics that are often nothing short of brilliant (especially on the poignant and soulful "Days of the BK (I Remember)", "Hoodlum Rock Vol. 1" is not only tolerable but a fully entertaining rock/rap record. Surprisingly, it never goes too heavily to one side or the other -- it's never too rap or never too rock -- and it works!
Like the best tracks by masters such as the Beastie Boys, El Pus's "Hoodlum Rock: Vol. 1" shines brightly with catchy music and strong, well-written lyrics. Any band that can lure you into a genre that you don't usually care for is special and El Pus do that here effortlessly.
El Pus: Cufi and Cosmo - rhythm guitars, drum programming, percussion, keys, turntables and other random shit; The Woodchuck - bass, vocals; C.J. aka "Johnny Rock" - lead guitars; Young Pete - drums.
For more information, check out www.elpus.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 23 Sep 2024 14:47:19 -0400
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