Search - Nonpoint :: Recoil

Album of the year in my book

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 12/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Good

The first few lines of the opening track "The Same" really caught my attention; Things haven't changed / You haven't changed / I haven't changed. What I noticed though is that Nonpoint has changed. Their sound has become more refined. On this particular track the rhythms are pounding, while the vocals are strong yet smoothed over. That's a good thing. On "The Truth", Nonpoint make a strong political statement that will musicallly raise your blood pressure. When "Broken Bones" plays out at a live sure, there's sure to be a few. It's a tale of damaged relationships that makes you want to pump your fists and flail your arms.



Clean guitar tones and some serene female vocals enhance the heaviness of "Wait". "Rabia" is infused with a funky Latino percussion beat. Even though it's sung entirely in Spanish, it doesn't lose any of its ferrous anger. Punishing yet tuneful vocals and a thick lead riff dominate "Done It Anyway". If you've seen any sports promos on ESPN or ABC lately, I'm sure that you've heard Nonpoint's cover of the Phil Collins classic "In the Air Tonight". It's just as dark as the original, and I really like the addition of the tribal-like drum beat.



The Bad

Nothing



The Verdict

There's no doubt about it, Recoil is one of the best albums I've heard this year. Nonpoint keeps the heaviness that they're known for, while polishing their vocals to give things a more melodic feel. I took this one to the gym and it kicked my motivation and energy into overdrive.

"

Nonpoint's best to date

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 03/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Nonpoint ever since their debut album, "Statement." That album was like a hybrid of Rage Against the Machine, Deftones, and 311. Their second album, "Development" fused a little melody into the music. "Your Signs" (a good example of the band's melodic side) was a hit single; but the album as a whole failed to break them into the mainstream, which they had hoped for. Following this release, they underwent a change in record labels (from MCA records to Lava)."Recoil", the first album under Lava records, also just happens to be my favorite by them.

This album is like their first two albums mixed together. Much of the angst filled music is still here, but singer Elias Soriano's vocal style helps to fuse in the melody. He can sing energetically (without yelling). Some songs (i.e. "Broken Bones" and "Reward") should please old-school Nonpoint fans, but a few surprises are thrown in here and there as well (such as "Wait"-which has female vocals, "Rabia" and "In the Air Tonight").



Highlights include:



"The Same" could very well be the album's next single. It has a pounding beat, but melodic, radio-friendly vocals.

"The Truth", is the albums lead single with low, grumbling riffs and thudding drums. Lyrically, however, it is a political statement that questions Bush and the war in Iraq.

"Rabia" has a Latin theme to it (with Latin percussion and other Latin instruments), and fluctuating guitar riffs. But this song is a highlight because it is sung entirely in Spanish (like "Orgullo", from their debut album).

"Done it Anyway" combines a catchy, beeping, start-stop riff with more tuneful vocals.

"In The Air Tonight" is a Phil Collins cover, and a personal favorite. All the creepiness of the original is included in this cover, but Nonpoint create their own twist to this song by adding tribal drums. There are a couple of riffs in this song, but Elias' catchy voice sings clearly. This whole song has an Ill Nino type of feel to it.

"Past it All" begins with light, spacey guitar strings. The guitars then chug and churn and Elias' voice raises.

There's a bonus track at the end of the C.D., after "Reward". It has light guitar notes (that almost sound like a piano) and more supple, gentle and proper singing.



This blend of hard rocking, Deftones -esque riffs and drums and passionate, Sevendust style melody is not only innovative but also almost perfect. There's something for a wide range of metalheads here (those who like energetic, blood pumping metal, and also those who like melodic metal).

Nonpoint are also one of those hard working, overlooked bands. Some people don't give Nonpoint their fair spin because they have been lumped in with the nu-metal crowd. But I wouldn't file this album under that genre. It should appeal to nu-metal fans, but (by adding melody) I think Nonpoint have escaped that dreaded "nu-metal" label."

Bird's Eye Review

Vanessa Bond | Grand Rapids Michigan | 09/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally posted at Epinions.com

by Vanessa Bond

Firsthand I must tell you readers that Nonpoint is what I consider an interactive band. If you enjoy a rock show where you truly participate and experience the raw energy and passion in a performance then you must see Nonpoint live. Preferably in a smaller venue while they are still on the road. These guys are genuine traveling minstrels; I am one more soul seduced by their rapture. So with that being said, on to the review.



Recoil is the latest CD following their previous album Development. I have not listened to it (Development) yet so I cannot give you a comparison. I can tell you not to expect the same old thing with this release. Nonpoint is in a state of constant artistic growth with innovative sounds that I find a welcome change against the music styles the industry insists on putting into categories. I hate that! Nonpoint consists of members Andrew Goldman on guitar and vocals, KB on bass guitar, Robb Rivera on drums and percussion, and Elias Soriano on lead vocals. The album was produced by Jason Bieler and Nonpoint.



The first track titled The Same is a powerful opening song with heavy rapid guitar riffs and bass and drums that rip out like an explosion. It has a rhythm that grinds and Soriano's vocals deliver the undertones of anger and frustration in this song.

The Truth, which is the first single to grace the airwaves, carries a powerful message that questions the motives of the government and it's deception of the American people. It is quickly becoming a true anthem of the youth and protest gatherings. The lilt in the chorus almost carries the childhood air we chanted in the school yard. Perfect. Soriano balances the vocal levels from powerful roars to soft, vulnerable whispers.

The third track Broken Bones rocks the house. You will be dancing! I love the execution of the instruments and the little nuances included in this track.

Rabia which is co-written by Soriano and Rivera is one of my favorites. Winslow loves it! Rivera's drums and KB's bass are off the chain and out the blazing door! The percussion will possess you and Goldman's riffs deliver the fire and aggression that make this the ultimate "That does it- I've had it!" song. The Spanish lyrics are perfect because of their simplicity. Some words need no translation. Soriano nails the mood with gruff and brutal vocals.

Wait blends hard metal rock with a catchy melody and chorus. I like the way the vocals alternate between Goldman and Soriano. This song will tend to get stuck in your head. A lot.

Past It All is a gem of a song that moves me every time I hear it. A bittersweet ballad of love lost, the price of deception and the resulting pain and regret. Soriano has a way of singing that tells the tale from a man's point of view without the typical whiny, complaining tone that I cannot stand. His lyrics are very forthright yet fair. Noble is the knight.

There is a hidden acoustic version of this song at the end of the album that stops me in my tracks every time. Goldman's guitar plays like it is almost weeping and Soriano's vocals truly reveal the sad emotion in this song. It must have been really something to be in the studio for that take. Robb Rivera's technique is unlike anything else I have seen or heard. That is what makes their cover of "In The Air Tonight" what I believe will be the single that takes them to the top. It was written by Phil Collins who also was the drummer and vocalist for the band Genesis. Nonpoint has truly transformed it. I think this song is where it belongs when performed by these guys. It brings forth the passion and emotion that Collin's version lacks. It's almost like this song sat around twenty years collecting dust just waiting for Nonpoint to pick it up, dust it off, and polish it up. Rivera's drums are hypnotic and Soriano delivers with just the right amount of tender breath or growl in each note.

Reward features some of the tightest bass licks and KB demonstrates that he is truly a master of his instrument.



The chemistry of the band and their musicianship says it all. What genre? Nonpoint. There are more excellent songs and little surprises on Recoil but you will have to buy it and discover them for yourself. After Recoil I can't wait to see what snaps back.



Winslow gives Recoil a rating of: Five Feathers

That's a full tail feather fan for Nonpoint and Recoil."