311 - From Chaos (3.5 / 5) This is 311's 6th studio LP, put out in summer 2001.  At first glance, this cd lacks some of the originality that makes 311 one of my favorite bands.  However after several listens, the albums grows on me.  Some of the songs are clear winners, like "You Wouldn't Believe," "From Chaos," "Amber," and "Champagne."  However, the rest of the cd is more than adequate when it comes to listenability.  However, if you're looking for the laidback reggae style as found on their self-titled album, look elsewhere.  This album contains more distored guitars and driving basslines.  Also lacking from From Chaos is Count SA's rapping, which adds a whole new dimension to the reggae-rock-rap-punk stylings of these Nebraska men.  This is not an album that you can listen to selected songs, you have to take in the cd as an experience.    (11-01)

Album Reviews

Pressure 4-5 - Burning the Process    (4.5 / 5) I must say, I had my doubts when I bought this cd, Pressure 4-5's debut album, last Friday.  I was not sure how it would measure up to the first single, "Beat the World."  But as it turns out, it measures up quite well.  Yes folks, this is a metal album; if you're afraid of metal in any way, shape or form, you won't want to pick it up.  However, this is not to say that  this album is a "kill the world" type of music.  Far from it actually.  In addition to the first single, "Pieces" and "Melt Me Down" are the songs that were the standouts.  As far as the cd as a whole goes, there are the detuned power chords and riffs throughout the album and can get rocking pretty well.  But they also play very melodic passages to connect the songs.  The harmony in the vocals is awesome.  This band can kick you in the teeth one minute and then mellow you out the next.  So I guess what I'm saying is that if you claim to not totally hate all forms of rock music this is an album to check out.  Rock on!(11-13)