Evolution

Evolution

(Hed) P.E. have always been an exotic hybrid outfit that refuse to trim their shaggy sound or rein in their cantankerous opinions. Evolution is in keeping with the Southern California combo’s earlier work, tempering its rap-metal base with strong reggae influences while serving up utopian visions laced with a subversive twist. If sonic growth is evident here, it’s also true that the album’s tracks reach back in time to reclaim the rude edge of the band’s scuffling days. “No Turning Back,” “Let It Rain,” and “One More Body” ride big, grinding riffs, supplied by Jaxon’s hefty yet supple guitar work. Frontman Jahred growls, bellows, and beseeches his way through tunes like “Lost in Babylon” and “No Tomorrow” with the manic charisma of a guerrilla fighter on the barricades. “2 Many Games” is an especially pungent rock ballad seething with a desperate sort of defiance. Relief from such blistering assaults is provided by the spacey, reggaefied grooves of “Nowhere 2 Go,” “Let It Burn,” and “Hold On.” Lashing these genre-defying tracks together is a message of rebel resistance that ultimately chooses love over violence.

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