Rough Edge: Nonpoint CD Reviews

NONPOINT

"Miracle" (954 Records; 2010)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Admirably remaining intact despite enduring bouts with the music industry’s infamous waves of uncertainty, the latest release by veteran Florida act Nonpoint, entitled "Miracle," showcases a reinvigorated unit determined to not just survive but to thrive.

Produced by Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett of Mudvayne and self-released on the band’s own label, this 12-track endeavor demonstrates a decisively beefier overall sound than previous efforts (“Dangerous Waters”), seemingly incorporating influence from the men behind the board into groovy yet gritty melodies such as “Looking Away” and “Throwing Stones” while continuing to roll out the notoriously infectious and hard hitting refrains that put them on the map back in the day (“Miracle”).

Adroitly straddling the line between Incubus and Sevendust with their distinct Latin flavor kicking up on occasion (“What I’ve Become”), this album amplifies the band’s familiar dynamic nuances with all sharpened edges exposed, resulting in a powerful album full of expected stop-start jabs and a rejuvenated attitude fueling Nonpoint’s fierce fires

For more information, check out http://www.nonpoint.com.

"To the Pain" (Bieler Brothers; 2005)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Displaying the never say die attitude of true rock warriors, Miami's Nonpoint have returned with their fourth release, the 14-track "To the Pain." Stripping its sound down to the bare essentials and leaning on the heavier side of the fence for this album, this quartet's angst-ridden nu-metal attitude and Latin musical roots are the two most distinguished parts of this disc.

The band, who've been through their share of music industry nightmares, project all of their aggression on tracks like the title cut, "Bullet With a Name" and "The Wreckoning," while breaking into some Spanish rock flare on tracks like "Buscandome," the funky "The Longest Beginning" and the atmospheric instrumental "Rendition."

Much like their buddies in Sevendust, Nonpoint regrouped from the business atrocities, got back on track musically, and put out an album that channels the dedicated unit's unique talents and warranted hostility. If you were disappointed by Ill Nino and bored with POD, Nonpoint is the perfect alternative.

For more information, check out http://www.nonpoint.com.

"Development" (MCA; 2002)

Reviewed by Alicia Downs

MCA recording artist Nonpoint outed their sophomore effort, "Development," this past summer. For a "development," some things have changed and some things have clearly remained the same.

For similarities, Nonpoint stayed true to their roots recording last winter at Elysian Studios in Boca Raton, Florida. They also opted to use Jason Bieler on production again this time around. Bieler not only produced Nonpoint's major label debut, "Statement," but he is also the band's manager.

So what developments have been made? For one, Nonpoint is definitely further developing their hard rock sounds. I suppose it was only a matter of time before Tool became a heavy-handed influence on 'new' music and - from Elias Soriano's vocals to the guitar complexities - there seems to be a Tool undertone throughout "Development." And, if the Tool nuances were not enough, by the time I got to the track "Signs," I wondered if the band had been rocking out to Incubus' earlier work just a little bit too much while writing their own material. I wondered more and more if Nonpoint's development isn't resulting in their running around in circles with their own sounds and mimicking some of the more successful hard rock acts of today...

In comparison to "Statement," "Development" album feels both cleaner and more thorough. There were times when "Statement" had more than just hip hop undertones, especially as seen in the final track's tribute to hip hop masters Slick Rick, Busta Rhymes, and Method Man. "Development" works more as a full-on rock assault, penetrating through Robb Rivera's brutalizing drums. It is the thoroughness that keeps Nonpoint grounded throughout "Development" and it makes the album a more seasoned and professional effort overall.

"Development" it is still a solid rock album worth your time and energy. The gem with this band will be to see where they go from here now that they have apparently departed from their sense of selves. Should make for some interesting lyrics on the junior effort.

Nonpoint is: Elias Soriano (vocals), Robb Rivera (drums), KB (bass), and Andrew Goldman (guitars and vocals).

For more information, check out http://www.nonpoint.com.

"Development" (MCA; 2002)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Nonpoint's second release is a powerful force of rock'n'roll that is both unique and, simply, cool. Nonpoint hits hard right from the start and just grows from there. Granted, I couldn't connect with every song on the CD - some were just too "soft" - but what I liked, I really liked.

Nonpoint is raw and gritty with major aggression that I totally dug. Good, solid rock is what Nonpoint is all about and I really enjoy the "error" lines that my word processor puts beneath the word "nonpoint" because it cannot identify the word. Hey, it's just a silly perk. What a soulless son of a bitch computers are but, what the hell, at least their invention led me to review good bands like Nonpoint.

Nonpoint is Elias Soriano vocals, Robb Rivera drums, Andrew Goldman guitar and vocals and KB bass.

For more information, check out http://www.nonpoint.com.

"Statement" (MCA; 2000)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Nonpoint is a kick-ass metal band that not only cooks musically but that makes each tune a finely crafted story. Nonpoint is high energy personified. Along with the instrumental interpretation and the combination of highly personal and telling lyrics, this thundering metal band is definitely someone to look and listen for.

The best thing is that they don't pull any punches when it comes to head banging. Nonpoint makes that part of the package, too, and the combination is tremendously successful. I love bands like this! They make my job as reviewer so much more enjoyable!

Nonpoint is: Elias Soriano - vocals; Robb Rivera - drums; Andrew Goldman - guitar and vocals; KB - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.nonpoint.com.

"Statement" (MCA; 2000)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Nonpoint are an alt/rap-metal outfit formed in Miami. Occasionally, the bilingual singer, Elias Soriano will sing and rap in Spanish, but the majority of Nonpoint's lyrics are in English. Try typing Nonpoint into a Word document, it will underline it in red because it doesn't recognize the word. But you will recognize Nonpoint when you hear them thrash their way through your woofers.

You may want to hold down the furniture. These songs will unbolt the sofa! This is harsh music, loud and angst-ridden. Not your father's music. Each track will pound you into submission. Are you ready?

Jason Bieler of Saigon Kick produced the CD. Not only did he produce "Statement," but he is also the band's manager.

There is enough energy in these songs to light up a few Vegas signs for a while.

The best songs are "Mindtrip," "Victim," "Back Up," "Orgullo (Pride)," and "Years."

Nonpoint: Elias Soriano - vocals; Robb Rivera - drums; Andrew Goldman - guitar and vocals; KB - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.nonpoint.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.

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