Life
The second album from brothers Simon and Edsel "Dope" and their ever- changing lineup is a breath of fresh air. While the New York-based sextet fits  loosely into the nu metal category, Dope take more from basic rock & roll  structures and less from faux-aggro rap-rock than many of their brethren. In  fact, the catchy first single, "Now or Never," boasts an almost classic-rock  vibe, and the entire record is more rock and less "shock" than their decent  debut,Felons and  Revolutionaries. Though at times Edsel has aMarilyn Mansoninflection to his voice, and on songs like "Stop" there are hints ofWhite Zombie-influenced  electronic riff-rock, the melody lines and vocals make most ofLife's  songs timeless and accessible, while still maintaining a dark, angry and Gen-Y- leaning appeal. Many ofLife's 13 cuts, including "What About" and  "Slipping Away" are basic, dramatic, and cool, Dope proving themselves no slaves  to rock/metal fashion while still existing within their modern musical milieu.--Katherine Turman