RamallahRamallah is basically Rob Lind's outlet for his social and political rage, all more than merited. And he certainly makes this band what they are, through and through, the conviction and sincerity he displays in the words he shouts and sings are unbridled. I wasn't feeling their last EP so I was almost certain I wasn't going to feel this, well, I was wrong, tenfold. This is completely different from their previous release, albeit not nearly as aggressive but they unleash a broad range of sounds on your unsuspecting ears. Everything from hints of nu-metal riffs and tones, punk rock, hardcore, metal, and rock n roll, and even a Beatles cover. Half of which I would have never expected on this album. There is fucking use of ambient sounds, pianos, keyboards, I mean this release is extremely varied. Put somehow they pull it off well, how I'm not quite sure but Rob Lind did it, oh my did he do it. Listening to this can best be summed up by the words shocked and awed, (like that? My great use of world play..oh yeah it's the title of one the tracks, yaaaa) because you're not quite sure you actually just heard that but than it hits you , damn that was fucking good. Lyrically Rob Lind nailed this one, always the one to be brutally blunt and honest without giving a flying shit about being PC he spits his guts and heart on this one. Attacking his demons and most of all, the worlds. He speaks out on the war, terrorism, the worship of false mortals, child abuse, growing up in poverty, everything that makes this world a sick place to live in. The song that really surprised me both the title and lyrically was the track, "Brother Malcolm," which is basically Rob saying he wish he had the same bravery and noble hatred to stand against what he believes in like Malcolm X. That is the first time I have ever heard a song totally about Malcolm X. The one line that can sum this whole album up in a nutshell, the whole point behind it, "All I ever wanted was a heart of gold to tell me the truth.," from the song "Just Walk Away." That line alone should make you want to check this album out. And to add to the positive things about this album, the production quality is strong as hell. Although I wish the numetal guitar tone was never implemented, but other than that theirs a good crunch with enough clarity for everything to sound bright. The drums sounded damn good, warm and full, I was thrilled they didn't give the drugs that trigger sound or it would've REALLY given it a numetal feel. Also to add on the positive side of things, the layout is dope as shit. It looks like a scrapbook from a serial killer plotting to end the lives of all the celebrities pictured. And the lyrics are arranged nicely, easy to read, although their isn't any band picture but the line on the back of the booklet makes up for it. Good shit. If you liked their EP you should still like this and even if you didn't theirs a good chance you might feel this anyway. The only thing this album could've done without was the reworking of the songs from the EP and numetal tone. Other than that this is a solid release worthy of adding to your collection.
Rating: 3.9/5
Songs Worthy Of Replay: Just Walk Away, The horror and the gag, Kill A Celebrity
Thesis: This is definitely on that next type shit, trying to push the envelope in the hardcore world, varied while still maintaining it's identity. Definitely give this thing a listen, actually a few because you'll notice a lot of little things the second and third time around.