Reviewed by Jon Wilson

If you like stuff by Rage Against The Machine or Downset and, like me, you were disappointed with Every Day Life then this is the band for you. 'Brown' is POD's second album and is on a label owned and run by the band. The CD begins in laid back hip-hop style but it soon gets heavy. It is wrong to try and pigeon hole this talented band as they mix styles very skilfully, the opening song, "Know Me" is pure rap hardcore whereas "Full Colour" is based around a funky bass riff. And if you're looking for plenty of good riffs, this CD has an abundance of them. Sonny's voice is sometimes reminiscent of Orange 9mm singer Chaka Malik and gives the songs plenty of emotion. Lyrics are about gang culture and violence, as you'd expect from most rap albums. However, there is a lot of soul searching and passion in quite a few songs such as "Full Colour" where Sonny asks, "Why did my mommy have to die," followed by a pledge to carry on searching for God's heart. POD oppose misconceptions of God and make their intentions clear in "Selah"; "I be all in your state my case even if you took me out there's another to take my place." This is a quality rap/metal album by a band who know how to make it work. My only regret is that "Reggae Jam" and "Breathe Babylon" didn't go on a little longer. Word has it that they will release a double album next so watch this space.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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