The Undercover Review

Who was that wise old man who once said "when you are on a good thing, stick to it"? Linkin Park obviously listened. The template of 'Meteora' is exactly 'Hybrid Theory Part 2'. There is absolutely no growth since the last album but then again, a lot of people liked the last album.

The formula is in tact. Producer Don Gilmore is back behind the controls with the obvious direction "we don't know what you did last time but just do it again". The line-up hasn't changed either. That's a great feat considering the instant ego a few million sales can create within a 6 piece outfit.

The contrast between the rock vocals of Chester Bennington to the vocal rap of Mike Shinoda is the essence of the LP sound. From there it filters out. Brad Delson's guitar creates a signature sound while DJ Hahn allows the band to straddle both hard rock and house. The backbone is the tight drum and bass section of Rob Bourdon and Phoenix.

Most of you would have already heard the single 'Somewhere I Belong'. This record doesn't vary an inch from that sound.

It's a short record (just 36 minutes 43 seconds) but totally potent. I don't even know why the 13 second 'Foreward' is even listed as a song by itself. It is nothing more than the opening of 'Don't Stay' and serves no purpose as a stand alone. They note that it was written after the album was finished. It has been surgically grafted on to 'Don't Stay' so perfectly you can't even see the scare. 'Don't Stay' is one of the first songs recorded for the record and originally planned to have a reggae vibe. I'm sure the accountants convinced them to change their mind and the end result has no surprises.

'Lying From You' was originally recorded on a tour bus during Ozzfest but again after the studio wiz kids got hold of it the "two all beef patties, special sauce on a sesame seed bun' approach once again quashed all innovation.

'Hit The Floor' is as left as the album goes. Maybe it is the influence from their work with X-ecutioners that inspired the hip-hop undertone but once those Brad guitars slam in there is no denying this is Linkin Park.

'Easier To Run' we'll call the token ballad. Ballad's never the right word when talking about LP but by comparison, this is one of their quieter moments. Watch this one get rolled out as a single to capture an across the board marketing strategy.

'Faint' and 'Figure.09' are both formula LP but they do manage to diversify slightly for the rhythmic 'Breaking The Habit'. It is more Chester and less Mike and gives a slight skew to the LP format.

'From The Inside' is a marvellous example of technology. It was recorded in the final week of the sessions but Chester fell ill and had finish his part in New York, away from the band and have it mixed in later. Again, the operation was a complete success.

'Nobody's Listening' and 'Session' are the few areas of experimentation. There is even Japanese flute on 'Nobody's Listening' but the equal parts Chester and Mike make sure it doesn't sway too far from the comfort zone. 'Session' is an instrumental created by Mike in the back of a bus on Pro Tools. It was finished off by Brad, Phoenix and Joe, and gives us a sense of the stripped back element of the band.

'Numb' is a formula finish, coming from the sombre side of LP and building to an anthemic climax.

That's it for the music component of the album, but that isn't where it ends. Throw it in your CD-ROM and Meteora continues. There is a further 17 minute short film 'The Art Of Meteora' but unfortunately it is only offered in quick time format which means many fans will be unable to access the bonus parts.

If you liked Hybrid Theory, and like Linkin Park just the way they are, then Meteora is a must have follow-up.

By Hector the Rock Dog