MSRP- Hundred Fold Origami Meteor

ARTIST: MSRP

ALBUM: Hundred Fold Origami Meteor

LABEL: Self-released

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 8-11-07

MSRP's music is, technically speaking, industrial metal, but the Minnesota four-piece is a pretty far cry from Ministry or KMFDM. It's got heavy guitars and thunderous electronics, true, but the snarling disaffected vocals, deep bass grooves, and angst-filled lyrics are more reminiscent of new school metal outfits like Korn. That sounds like a less than glowing recommendation, but this is a really solid album. There's very little distortion or other effects on the vocals, giving the techno thrash of "Conditional Love" and "Sick Of" a raw, intimate energy. The punk-inspired shouting and frantic synthesizers of "All That's Left to Say" recalls a less snotty Mindless Self Indulgence, and "No Excuses" gives guitarist Alex Buehler a chance to show off his chops with some rapid-fire harmonics that give way to chugging metal intensity. It's not all heavy, though; "The Fire Behind Her Eyes" is a surprisingly pleasant foray into ethereal vocals and understated pianos, and "Awake" makes good use of organ melodies and a more upbeat bounce of a rhythm before moving into its head-banging chorus. MSRP don't make nearly as much use of samples, drum machines and vocoders as your average up and coming industrial outfit, but the musicianship on this album is tight, aggressive, and energetic. They actually sound like a real rock band, and that's always a good thing.

Visit MSRP on MySpace at www.myspace.com/msrp .