I well remember when rock first started making a comeback on the Satellite TV channels in the UK, POD were one of the happening bands. Tracks off of their 2001 ‘Satellite’ album were never far from the playlist and it looked like they might go on to really big things. However sadly it hasn’t quite worked out like that. Which is a shame as their new album ‘Testify’ is a decent effort. Although I still have one or two reservations. 

The album opens with ‘Roots In Stereo’. A hybridised effort (like much of the album) but none the worse for it. I’ve got to own up. I wasn’t overly aware of the group’s Reggae influences until doing some research and I must admit the ‘Nu Metal/Reggae/Rap recipe works for the most part on ‘Testify’. 

The production is also top notch. But some will argue that maybe this kind of stuff should have a rawer edge. However I found the seriously poppy ‘If You could See Me Now’ benefited from the ‘bells and whistles’ approach and the hooklines and melodies present on ‘Testify’ are more enjoyable than some of their earlier stuff – which I found just a little bit derivative of the Nu-Metal style. Here the songs have shape and form and the album bears repeated listening. But will all this catchy stuff alienate existing fans? 

So all is not perfect in the POD camp as ‘Goodbye for Now’ has elements of Limp Bizkit (unless of course you like Limp Bizkit!) and other songs parody Linkin’ Park rather too closely for my liking. So whilst this is a good album its biggest weakness is the fact that it’s all too easy to spot said influences. Shame really as ‘Testify’ has some cracking material and is worthy of a far wider audience than It’s probably going to receive. 

Songs such as ‘Strength of my Life’, with its infectious reggae beat, are wonderfully experimental and if the band could just leave all the obvious Nu-Metal cloning alone the next POD release could be very interesting. As it is POD have fallen between two stools in a way. The band are far more interesting when they do their own thing. Oh, and I got through this entire review without mentioning the fact that they are ‘Christian Rockers’ once – well, almost.

Let us know your views on 'Testify'

Track List

Roots In Stereo
Lights Out
If You Could See Me Now
Goodbye For Now
Sounds Like War
On The Grind
This Time
Mistakes And Glories
Let You Down
Teachers
Strength Of My Life
Say Hello
Mark My Words

Line Up

Sonny Sandoval - Vocals
Jason Truby - Guitar
Traa Daniels - Bass
Noah Bernardo - Drums