Flaw's debut CD was released about a year ago, and sadly, I feel, it didn't get the recognition it deserved. Immediately before the release of the CD, Flaw just took in a new bassist and guitarist. Shortly after the new members joined, they got signed. Now under Universal Recordings, they are putting out some great music. Their two biggest songs are “Payback“, and “Whole.” “Payback” was their break into the metal scene. They released a video of it and it actually got some airplay with it. Next they released a video of their probably most popular song, “Whole.”
Chris Voltz sported a new look and another great sound. This song dealt with his mother's suicide. Also on the CD are some other great songs like anti-friend anthem “Only the Strong” and the break-up song “My Letter“. “My Letter” is a softer and less adrenaline driven take on break-ups. “Only the Strong” is a grungy song of advice about friendships. “Scheme” is another very good song on the album. It starts out soft and goes into hardcore metal. On the Ozzfest tour 2002, they played more of their hard stuff, but, if you saw them, don't let that make you think they're a generic metal band. As I said before, they play all kinds of music, with the exception of jazz and rap.
Actually, If you stick the CD in your computer, there is an interview with the band and a video. They classify themselves in a new music category–hipcore. They say they're a fusion of Hip Hop and Hardcore. Also, If you fast-forward the last song on the CD about 5 minutes, there is a secret mix of “Only the Strong” with just vocals and a piano. The CD takes you on a trip to all music aspects. Their lyrics are very intelligent and meaningful, and the music just makes you want to start a mosh pit with anyone you see. This is definitely a CD to buy and listen to NON-STOP for about nine years. The only reason it fails to get a five is the bass overpowers the rest of the music every once in a while. This is always for a very short period of time and there is a way to resolve it; turn down the bass on your stereo.
All in all, it is a GREAT CD. I rate it a 4.5 out of 5.
