An all-black heavy metal/hard rock unit that emerged in the late '80s,
24-7 Spyz often found itself being compared to
Living Colour. But while there are some similarities,
Harder Than You showed the band to have a vision and sound of its own. Combining elements of punk, funk, rap and reggae with an intense metal foundation, the New York headbangers bring a most adventurous spirit to this eclectic debut album. From "Ballots Not Bullets" (a call for democracy in Haiti) and the amusing "Tango Skin Polka" to radical interpretations of
Kool & The Gang's "Jungle Boogie" and reggae group
Black Uhuru's "Spongi Reggae," the
Spyz offer one surprise after another. ~ Alex Henderson