Downset

After a two-album stint in the majors, L.A.'s Downset is back in the indies, victims of a corporate merger that took place while they were recording this. If you're not familiar with their sound, it's in the metal-rap category. And while this style is generally populated by moronic vulgarians on a one way trip to the "where are they now" file, Downset makes an effort to rise above and they succeed, for the most part. The requisite heaviness and anger are abundant on this record, and it doesn't get caught up in macho posturing. If you're into this type of music, Downset may be the only band, apart from Rage Against The Machine, with something interesting to say. Lord knows that you could do a lot worse.