Up the Dose – Skrape

Skrape's sophomore effort builds on the promise of 2001's New Killer America with a set that continues cracking the nu-metal mold while staying cleverly within it. "Bleach" and "I Can't Breathe" contain universal angst ("I can't think when you complicate me") and breathy, layered vocals; "Stand Up (Summer Song)" channels P.O.D. for an uplifting post-grunge vibe. Dose's harder fare lets Skrape rock without as much worry over what nervous ninny suburbia will think. Bassist Pete Sison gives both the title track and "Habit" a powerful, sludgy bottom end, and the guitars of Brian Milner and new guy Randy Melser (who replaces Mike Lynchard) cut and parry with real metal meat. Up the Dose's best moment might be "Syrup," an atmospheric later-album track that leaves plenty of empty space around its spidery guitars and plodding percussion, capitalizing the chorus when it finally lurches into gear. The song slides in the slime between early Soundgarden and modern metal, and its final, aggressive tempo change only makes it more effective. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide