(RCA Records)
Released earlier this year, Headstrong's self-titled, debut album made a meek appearance on the rock scene this summer. Even though their first single, \Adriana,"" received solid radio play, the band remains an underground spectacle.??Adding to the band's inability to break onto the mainstream is the fact that their record label, RCA, just terminated the their contract.
Headstrong uses the heavy, raspy voice of Matt Kinna to rap out emotional lyrics and scream like it's nobody's business. The album has a central theme that revolves around relationship angst and dethroning authority.?? Compounded with crisp, clean snare beats and heavy guitar riffs, what you hear is a meaner, more pissed off version of Rage Against the Machine.??
Headstrong's live shows are of remark. The band's on-stage energy is extremely contagious, and their hard rap-rock style is perfect for moshing.??The band really knows how to get the audience involved. They don't just play while on stage, they interact. What seems to help the audience get involved with the band during the shows is the fact that the songs are emotional and real.??
""Swing Harder,"" the band's second single, talks about standing firm and not being swayed by authorities. Lines like ""Just knock me to my knees/Break me down just to build me back up again/Swing harder/Is that the best you can do?"" really get crowds up and going.??All of their songs include a level of energy that doesn't seem to be very mainstream with today's rock scene.??
""Do What You Feel Like"" is a good song to judge the entire theme of the album by.??The song's obvious message is that we should not care about what others think, and the entire album carries on this meaning as well.
Unfortunately, despite Headstrong's achievements, due to the contract termination, the band won't be touring for at least the next few months until (and if) they find another record deal.
The album, Headstrong, is full of energy and emotion'the essentials to any good rock disc'and their moshing rap metal style carries over well in an angst driven live show.
