lostprophets - Liberation Transmission

Bio
lostprophets is a welsh band formed in 1997 and have released 3 studio albums so far. There is a strong sense of "hiphop" in this band with a semi-dedicated DJ spinning the turn tables which was always a plus in being "original." Their first hit song that got them big was "Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja" a sorta video game derivation. As any uprising band, there is always backlash. But in their instance, it was severe. They were being labeled as sellouts and a boyband. They have been "bottled out" of performances and a few members do not drink and dont do the typical one night groupie sex orgy thing. The band is very outspoken and in their interviews are very honest and voice their personality (which caused even more backlash). They came out with their second album and their first song of the album "We Still Kill The Old Way" is in reference to the backlash stating that they "even through your doubts, we will still be here" and "i gonna die before i fall, dont try to save me" showing their perserverance and a message to those anti-lostprophet-ers.

Overall
Their album, Liberation Transmission, is different from their first two albums. There is very little screaming (only in the song "Everyday Combat"). Compared to their second album, the album is not as heavy and not dark. In terms of vocals, there is less screaming and more frontman vocals which isnt a bad thing but i do miss the crazy screaming by the backup vocals. Their guitars are still pretty catchy and contribute in sync with the melody. Lyrics are quite powerful (if you listen closely). They have a bunch of upbeat songs, a bunch of loud ones and a few slow songs. its a good blend and mix. They did a great job on the slow songs.

Instrumental
Guitars are up to par as their previous albums. Actually, i think they are better than their previous albums. I have this thing for dueling guitar solos. they do a pretty good job in a number of their songs with that. The bass does an exceptional job as well but with the guitars blaring in every direction, it can be easily ignored. drums are also exceptional however, their drummer quit before the recording of the album and they used the drummer from A Perfect Circle who is a decent drummer. their dj seems to play the keyboards most often and not the turntables. i guess this is the different direction they are taking and its not bad at all.

Recording & Studio Magic
In terms of recording technique and the studio magic, its different. Since the music is more upbeat, there is a focus on the treble side and less on the bass side. Magic on the vocals are very little and honestly not worth mentioning. if i produced this album, i would have been content and would pat myself on the back for a job well done.

Live Potential
I've seen them live and they are pretty damn awesome. i know this album will be kickass live too. i would pay money to see them live again. no doubt

In Retrospect
if you like the first and second album, you'll like this one. I would buy the album just to support the band but not in terms of music. Though the album is great, they have taken a turn from their previous darker album. I still personally like the second album better than this album but if Liberation Transmission is on sale, i would have to buy it. but that is only my personal opinion and dont take my word for it. just jack it off me and take a taste of it and see whats up.

Album Info
Released – June 26, 2006
Number of Songs – 12
Album Length - ~49 Minutes
Singles – Rooftops
Recommended Songs – A Town Called Hypocrisy, 4AM Forever, Always All Ways (Apologies, Glances and Messed Up Chances)
http://www.lostprophets.com

Ratings
Lyrics – 8.5
Melody – 8.5
Instrumentally – 9
Recording – 9
Studio Magic – 4
Originality – 8.5
Live Potential – 9
Overall - 8.5
WJOD - 8.5

Explanation of the Ratings
Rating is from 1-10. 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest.
Overall is NOT an average of the other ratings.
This is similar to grading system. A 7 is a C. etc.
WJOD = worth dl/jacking off danny.