For those who say that nothing cool comes out of Rockford, I have to call you to the table and firmly disagree. There is some really interesting music being created in the greater Rockford area. A lot is coming from metal bands like Southview, goth outfits like Reverend Agony and the "what is this really" category like The Heavils, but (as Judah The Lyrical Rev and now The Bridge have shown), hip hop is alive and thriving in the area.

While I would have to say that I find the Judah CD to be more consistent than this one, there are some real factors working in favor of The Bridge. For one thing, I like the way they have created bookends on this CD. Both the opening "Welcome to the Rock" and the closer "The Bridge is Over" work together to create a cohesive approach to the album. Part of that symmetry is produced by the themes - the first track serves to introduce the group to the listener, while the final number provides a solid farewell to the album. Still more of the thread is created by the music on those two pieces. Of all the songs here, these two share a definite jazz texture that makes them feel as if they are cut from the same cloth. This kind of detail really shows the class that The Bridge embodies.

Another aspect that I find quite strong on the disc is the integration between the two rappers. You can tell that these guys really enjoy working together (and have done it a lot) because they play off each other quite intuitively. I also think that for the most part the beats and other musical accompaniments that have been created here are quite effective. There are times you'll find yourself uncontrollably pulled into the rhythmic patterns of the sounds. For my money the best piece on the whole disc is "Name Brand" and it really accomplishes this more than anything else here.

If I had to pinpoint one thing that I think to be a downfall on the disc, it's that a few of the songs (and really we're talking only two or three) don't seem to be as well put together in terms of the musical backing. I think they could have used a bit more oomph in terms of layers and sound elements. Even that drawback, though, is minimized because this outfit does what a lot fail to consider. They put the weaker material in the center portion of the CD, opening and closing strong. As a reviewer and music fan I can't emphasize enough how important this fact is to making a strong disc. These guys do it right when so many others fail.

Overall, I'd have to say that this is a very strong disc, but it's not without it's defects. It shows a lot of promise, though, and fans of hip hop should really get this one when it comes out (it won't be officially released til the 27th - you can get it on the 24th at the CD release party at Krypto Music Lounge). I should mention, for those who aren't deep into the genre, that like most rap there is language here that some might find offensive. I probably wouldn't recommend turning this one up with kids in the room. If the place is child-resisted and no one takes offense, though, turn up the tunes and enjoy The Bridge.