2 Cents - Lost At Sea

2 Cents
Lost At Sea
Atlantic Records
7/10




Reckless and relentless, the sound of 2 Cents brings to mind the inspiration of everything from Pantera to System Of A Down to Rage Against The Machine, but the band packages this explosive combination in a manner that’s truly original. Set to make your head bang and your ass move, 2 Cents rip through “Fucked In The Afterlife,” sneer with a thumbed nose at the establishment in the entertainment industry in “Victims Of Pop Culture” and take a dynamic, convincing ride on the edgy “The Wedding Dress.”

It’s hard to say anymore whether Dimebag tributes are appropriate testaments to a metal legend or moves to associate a big name with something new in order to garner buzz and attention. Having said that, “A Song For Darrell Abbott” is heartfelt and well-played. The verses impart the type of feeling that you would actually expect from Down and the aggressive undertones of this track’s chorus are substantial enough to grab attention, with a very Dimebag-esque lick that may not approach the out-of-control fretboard shredding that the man was known for, but is still intensely melodic.

The manic nature of “Steak Dinner” is like a super-aggressive Sublime or at times, even a bit like Bobaflex, while during “Wired,” the band focuses on melody and a slow build-up to hyperactive thrashing. Direct and fueled with the fire of a classic thrash metal riff, “My Two Wives” is an enjoyable foray that not only makes you want to get into the pit, it will want to make you stay there for the entire set.

Bottom line: These guys can kick some ass all different kinds of ways. If this description meets your aspirations for what a great album should be, you owe it to yourself to seek this one out.


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