Hed (pe) is back, and with a concept album.  Well not as much as concept as it is capitalizing on off-thoughts of government control.  They're basically taking their unique funk and metal, peppering the sh)t out of it with “do something about your politics” and still selling albums. I tell ya friends, it's been long time since the days of “Broke” and regardless of how much these guys don't care what people think, their music just doesn't seem to fit this century, regardless of how much I pray for it to be.

     Ten of the 22 songs here are simply intermissions (goofy at times) or less than two minutes long, so don't get your hopes up for an over-flow of singles.  Songs like “Forward Go!” have an appeal, but it's gonna take quite a few listens to garner a passion for their repetitive nature.  This track has James Gomes in his old flow, and gives hope for a return to form.  But honestly, it's just not here. The lyrics have a cheesier hook than it used to feel like.  Stay around for the humor between “Forward Go” and “Bad News”

   Lajon Witherspoon makes a guest appearance on “Stand Up”, though it has a nice rhythm, this song is more of a nostalgic feeling even touching on a Metallica solo.  Lajon adds his usual rasp to the hed (PE) bounce sound. Track 20, “Whitehouse” features a grindcore diddy, like crossing System Of A Down and Ratt. Then of course Obama himself (audio) makes an appearance in the final crossing in “We Are The Ones”.  It's followed by an odd coupling of Reggae and Punk song titled “It's Alright”.

Throughout the album, from start to end, you can hear an attempt at Serj Tankian's style from  his buddy M.C.U.D.  Having worked together on the aforementioned “Broke”, this should be considered the sharpest form of flattery instead of being a wannabe.  M.C.U.D. has always had the voice for it, but just is now really harnessing his vocals to perform such a style.  Now the question really is, does it suit their other trademark funk/hip hop sound.  

       For instance track 15, “Murder”, which reflects more of a Bell Biv Devoe meets Chris Brown, parental advisory of course. One song does meet what I foresee as a formidable future for hed (PE), and that's “Children Of The Fall”.  Nice production work on vocals, hope this sound can come off live. Track 19 “No More Secrets” also sits well with an old school feel of hed (PE), a sick groove not too overdone with distortion, and M.C.U.D. striving through that beat. A Cheesey bridge and chorus of grunge later, and there's grip but nothing special to write home about.

  In the end, hed (PE) still sits without a stronger record than their sophomore effort “Broke” in this listener's ears.  But, it seems these Huntington Beach fellows have earned themselves yet another chance at a return to respect. Maybe the next record will find them as best as they can be.  Rating is based more upon their talent than their performance amongst ordinary artists.