Swollen Members

With their fourth album, Swollen Members prove once and for all what goes for books and covers goes equally well for CDs. Judging by the cover, you’d expect Heavy to embrace the Dungeons & Dragons concept with which they’ve been saddled and to be, well, heavy. Spawn creator Todd McFarlane supplies some superb KISS-meets-D&D graphics, but the subject is rarely covered now, especially with Moka Only, who never really was a part of that vibe. The absence of that dark, fantasy feel might be partly blamed on the shiny, clean production that is devoid of heavy. Although not dark, most of the beats are catchy (and obviously commercial). The two beats from Evidence are the closest they come to be daring, but the Members sound lost on the odd drum patterns. On pretty much the rest of the album the flows of Moka Only, Mad Child and Prevail are a superb match for the beats, but unfortunately come off as generic. There’s barely any inflection in the vocals. Where’s the passion and heart? I mean, is that Mad Child or Ma$e on "Concentrate”? In fact, Mad Child never channels the menace he’s displayed in the past. This is made even more apparent while watching their six videos on the bonus DVD disc (which also includes interviews and live footage). Moka’s dynamic energy shines through most often on the album. If nothing else, Heavy confirms my long-held belief that Moka Only is a rap star waiting to happen.