Kiwibox.com - January 22nd, 2001
Everyone's Local Band
Have you ever been to or seen a Lincoln Park? Many, many cities have their very own. Unfortunately for music group Linkin Park, this means a lot cities are dubbing them hometown talent. Even Toronto, Canada has had confusion about Linkin Park's origin.
So where are they from? Four of the five members are from Southern California. The other member, Chester Bennington (vocalist), who joined late by audition, is from Arizona. The story behind the name is that on their way to work they'd pass Lincoln Park. The strange spelling was so that they could get a dot-come address without a legal battle. Understandably, some Lincoln Park out there is bound to want a website.
Their album Hybrid Theory was released in 2000. In the media they are most often referred to as a rap-rock band, but their music touches metal and hip-hop roots as well. Unlike most CDs that touch on issues like depression, anxiety, guilt and frustration, their CD includes no parental warning sticker, pleasing both parents and younger listeners. Each song manages to make you stop and think. Linkin Park's appropriate lyrics are inspiring.
They write all of their own lyrics about serious issues. The fact that they do so with suitable words and remain standing with a tough image is amazing. Only artists with maximum creativity can achieve this.
The CD itself is a great example of combining genres of music. Bennington's loud, explosive vocals combined with the deeper growls of fellow vocalist Mike Shinoda make for very effective lyrics. Rob Bourdon's drum slamming and Brad Delson's guitar stroking are an awesome combination and great base. For a "funky" sound they rely on Joe Hahn who DJs and gives them original background samples. The songs are so diverse you can't listen to only one to get an idea of Linkin Park's sound.
The issues they present are very real for teenagers in high school. For example "Points of Authority" is all about someone deliberately making a fool of you. It's about someone taking out his or her anger on you and the destruction of your pride. "A Place for My Head" is probably one of the most poetic songs. It shows that while the Sun gives [its light] openly to the Moon without wanting anything in return the song is directed towards someone who always wants something back. Some songs are more blunt. "Runaway" talks about feeling betrayed and untrusting because of an experience. It's basically saying that he wants to run away without saying good-bye to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Everyone will connect with at least one song.
If you're a fan of groups like Korn, Papa Roach and the Deftones, I promise you'll fall in love with Hybrid Theory. The fresh sound and original video have resulted in the mass explosion of their first single "One Step Closer". They're on the road to achieving what has almost been unachievable; bring together fans of many different types of music.
If you are even considering purchasing Hybrid Theory, I strongly encourage you to go for it! Even if they aren't "homegrown" I'd definitely welcome them into my city any time.
-Angel C. (Kiwibox.com Associate Editor)
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