Stuck Mojo
““Declaration of a Headhunter””
(Century Media Records)
I know I’m not alone when I say I’m getting pretty damn tired of the whole rap/metal thing. Too many kooks and pseudo-tough guys are making it tough for legitimate artists to get a fair shake. “Declaration of a Headhunter” is one of the records that is undoubtedly going to be passed over by hordes of youngsters making a beeline for Limp Bizkit and Korn CDs. And that’s a shame, because Stuck Mojo has got a lot going for themselves. This Atlanta-based quartet tackles a lot of the issues most other bands wouldn’t touch with a thirty-nine-and-a-half-foot-pole (check out the knock on the self-proclaimed leaders of the black community in “An Open Letter”). The throaty growl of lead singer Bonz is mixed nicely with melodic backing vocals by bassist Dan Dryden, creating a striking lyrical juxtaposition within nearly every track. Drummer Bud Fontsere should also be commended for keeping the project on track with his torrid percussion work. While “Declaration of a Headhunter” does occasionally slip into the repetitive, genre-required grinding guitar solos, there are enough positive things to say about this record to make me wish more people would be able to hear it.
