RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

Hailing from the same L.A. streets as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against is an eclectic quartet that mixes rap, hardcore, funk, jazz and heavy guitars, creating atmospheres that are often violent and threatening. The band's keen political interest separates it from both its lighthearted contemporaries and the many issue-oriented bands that fail to convincingly mesh music with politics. Rage Against The Machine consistently molds the two into a vicious, harmonious package-vocalist Zack De La Rocha's intimidating screams could convert even the most stubborn of right-wingers. But under the shouts of social injustice come brilliant musical ideas from Harvard-educated guitarist Tom Morello, whose crafty guitar-based arrangements give the whole album a cohesive vibe. Don't be sidetracked by the band's often aggressive nature. Listen to the beautiful melodies hidden in the background of tunes such as "Settle For Nothing" and you'll hear a lot more going on besides the obvious lyrical wake-up calls. Top cuts: "Know Your Enemy," "Fistful Of Steel," "Bombtrack" and "Killing In The Name."

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