Five Bolt Main - Venting (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

You'll let yourself down if you go looking for something tha

Jason M. Mills | Eckerman, MI | 10/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So far these reviewers have all said "Flaw this", "this isn't Flaw", "don't get this, it sounds nothing like Flaw" I'll say first off, This band isn't Flaw, my CD cover says five.bolt.main . It's made up of 5 guys, one of which used to be Flaw's singer. Now the music, there are times when it sounds like Flaw made a new album here, especially the first track "the gift". I bought the album because I was a Flaw fan, and Chris had great lyrics, and a voice to get them out there. I hoped this band would give him the chance to keep doing it. I was NOT let down, not a bit. His singing might even be better. The music side, I was pleased with the band's musicianship. The guitarists are writing songs with more than 5 power chords (korn and limp bizkit, take note of that) some songs have a simple makeup, while others really span out. It seems like they kept the door open to pretty much go anywhere after this album. At times the album sounds a little strange to me, even though it's still good, it sounds different, like "wait in line" the bassline and guitar riff that make up most of song kinda sound different from the rest of the album. Then right after that is "broken compass" which starts out like a slowdance ska sounding song, then has a normal chorus, but then it's back to the slowdance. Then it gets back to more rock. Most of the music is alot more up tempo than Flaw, and guitars are not tuned down as low. So all in all, the album is another great album for my books. As well as this, I enjoyed Through the eyes and Endangered Species(even more), but when it came time to listen Five.Bolt.Main. I wasn't ready to shoot holes in it for not sounding like Flaw, or even saying it's better just because it's what Chris is doing now. Flaw and 5.B.M. are 2 different bands. If you are looking for the next Flaw album, listen before you buy. If you'd like to hear good music, take a chance on this. I find it very worth it."

Chris Volz proves his worth yet again

Lando Griffin | Smithtown, NY | 10/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you can't get an album out of your head you know it's got an adequate supply of talented artist to keep you on your toes. Hardly any song on this album sounds the same which is always a good thing in my book. The musicianship also has gotten a lot better than Volz's last band (Flaw). They don't linger around the power chord theory (If it's heavy, than it must be good). The lead single off the album "Pathetic" is without a doubt one of the best songs on this album. As far as 5BM being as good as Flaw? I would have to say good riddens and let me open the door for you 5BM, stay a while and keep the great music coming."

Here's to never giving up!

Seth FM | Denver, Co. | 04/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It is entirely refreshing, especially in todays musical climate, to see musicians that continue to persue their passion, despite adversity. One such artist is Chris Volz, who has arisen from the ashes of the underrated band Flaw, and now triumphantly fronts Five.Bolt.Main. While stylistically, this group in not a major departure from Flaw, there is a determination behind the songs, especially in Volz's delivery, that expresses an unwillingness to fade into rock's past. Overall, the album is very consistent, kicking off with two singles in a row that define what the remainder of the disc has to offer. That is not to say that there arent some changeups here and there. For example the very next track, "Wait In Line", slows the tempo before exploding into a barrage of dissonant guitar and demanding screams with melodic choruses. Another defining aspect of the group is Ben Patrick, who's outstanding bass duties act as the sonic spinal chord of the group. Patrick also showcases a diverse study into the different techniques of playing the instrument that are at times rigid and raw, and at others rich and warm. Eventually, the songs begin to slighty loose their individual definition toward the end of the cd, but by the albums end there's a good majority of songs that you'll want to hear again and again, each time noticing something new. Overall this album is certainly worth checking out as it's a solid compilation of songs ranging from good to outstanding, and a victorious tribute to artists that don't give up on thier dreams."

Heavy Hitting

G. C JONES | Somerville, MA United States | 01/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The new band features Ivan (drums) and Chris (vocals) from Flaw, a bassist who takes some of his sound from Tool's Justin Chancellor, and some guitar riffs reminiscent of Ill Niño but fairly original. This record is a nice return from Endangered Species which suffered from too many light tracks and orchestrated segments. A return to rock. Anyway, Chris Volz is up to his old tricks. The first song, "The Gift" (old title: Devastation) is haunting and the lyrics deliver.

Unfortunately the album suffers from some poor mixing and production. The voice is so loud that the band sounds wimpy. The drummer is way on but the rhythm guitar and bass are one level below perfection. The songwriting is not up to the complexity of the second flaw album, there is some subtlety but a lot is straightforward. Recently the band acquired a new guitar/bass lineup from the band Alston, so the strings you hear on the record are not the strings you will see live. That said, the record is more in-your-face satisfying that most heavy albums released in the past year. My own band is opening for 5BM and we are very excited about this band."

Not FLAW, but still has what it takes

throwthegoat | Erie, PA | 10/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Flaw, and if you didn't already know five bolt main features the astounding vocals of Chris Volz, the former lead singer of Flaw. I would highly reccommend this CD to any Flaw fans. Chris retains his signature sound which basically makes this CD. Their sound is also very reminiscent of the Flaw song stucture and over all sound. I think every song on this Cd is awesome. I would have definitely picked a different song for their first single, Pathetic is probably the worst song on the album. Over all if you were a fan of Flaw, pick this up. I don't think you will be dissapointed."

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