Note: This the debut EP from the duo that consists of Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha (vocals, keyboards) and former The Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore (drums).
Sound: Armed with only Jon Theodore’s drum kit, Zak de la Rocha’s grinding, assaultive keyboards and his ferocious vocals (both fiery, confrontational rhymes and ominous, reverberating melodies), the duo whips up a furious, socially-conscious mix of rap rock and aggressive rock. It’s an impressively dense racket from a band of two. The rap-heavy songs sound pretty similar to Rage Against the Machine (despite having no guitar or bass), while the more melodic songs resemble the proggy cacophony of The Mars Volta.
Heavy Rotation track: “One Day As a Lion”
Medium Rotation tracks: “If You Fear Dying”; “Wild International”
Recommended: Though not much different than Zack’s work with his other, much more famous band, it is quite refreshing to hear him back on the mic (it’s been nearly nine years since he last released original, studio material). The Rage-like songs are the best on here, but The Mars Volta-esque tracks suggest promising new avenues for the future. Hopefully a full-length album sees the light of day soon.
Grade: A-

Listen to Tracks/Buy music:
On iTunes
On amazon.com