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Transplants | Transplants

More than a Rancid side-project.
CD, Hellcat/Epitaph

Tekst: Norbert Pek

Publicatiedatum: 04 november 2002

Yes, you're reading this Transplants review in the Rock section, and not in the Loud section. Not something you'd expect when you're aware that Transplants is a side project of Tim Armstrong (Rancid) and Travis Barker (Blink 182), who, together with Rob Aston, went to Armstrong's basement to record the album over the course of two-plus years. And Tim, as you might know, has been quite pissed the past few years. Mostly because the Rancid album, Life Won't Wait, didn't get the appreciation and numbers of sold copies he thought it deserved. That album was quite decent, with a lot of guest musicians and famous reggae stars on it, but follow-up Rancid 2000 was a filthy ska-punk record, even rougher than their releases from the old days. Reason? If the audience doesn't want our decent music, we do what we fucking want.

The Transplants album also starts with hardcore track 'Romper Stomper,' but the follow-up, 'Tall Cans In The Air,' already reveals some hip-hop influences. Then, all of a sudden, a change: 'D.J. D.J.' is a normal rock song with harmonious singing. Transplants turns out to be more than just a project. Maybe it's because it took some years to record the whole album, but this debut is full of interesting influences. Of course there's ska and reggae, which you get when you let Tim Armstrong take care of some vocals and writing credits. But further: 'D.R.E.A.M' has a piece of fresh Red Hot Chilli Peppers funk you won't find on By The Way; 'California Babylon' is hip-hop breakbeat; and we also find punk, pop, and soul on the record. The songs have so many brilliant beats, and also piano loops ('Diamond And Guns!'), you suspect they've saved every good idea they've had in the past two years, just for the Transplants. A must for every reggae, hardcore, rock, soul, and punk rock fan who wants to cross some borders.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/transplants/transplants/2007/
Meer Transplants op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/transplants