Rating: **1/2
Rap-rock in 2017 is a tough gig. People just aren't into it like they used to be. Chester Bennington is dead. Fred Durst is a joke. 311 play the cruise circuit. It's a weird place these days.
In comes, Bergen County, New Jersey's Green Knuckle Material. From what I understand they've created their own "unique sound and style of music that really is unlike anything else." Sounds promising right?
The proof is in the pudding as they say, so I gave a thorough test drive to their latest EP entitled "Renaissance". I give my thoughts below. Read that shit.
Listen to "Renaissance" on Bandcamp here:
Things get started with "Lullabye" and I have to say that I'm pretty underwhelmed. It sounds a lot like 311 with subtle Sublime twinges. It sounds kinda dated if I'm being honest. I'm crossing my fingers hard that track two will be better. "Soon As" starts with a nice little bass groove that I like better than anything I heard on the first cut. It's more 311-influenced rap-rock. The lyrics are earnest and the song is catchy, but it still comes off corny in this day and age. "Hole" is next and no, it isn't about Courtney Love's old band. This is more like it. This one has a way more honest punk rock vibe to it. I dig it. It doesn't take itself too seriously and it's refreshing. Best track of the EP thus far. "For the First Time" is an acoustic affair. It's like Linkin Park fucked Jack Johnson. It's pleasant. The album ends with "Pictures" and it's a nice little ditty. This is another one that's got a G-Love feel to it. It ain't bad.
Listen, this one isn't gonna change the world, but there's enough here to make fans of the genre take notice. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. If you always wished Limp Bizkit listened to more folk, this might be just what the doctor ordered.
Keep up with Green Knuckle Material here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GKMband/