Released
1998

Label
Catastrophe Records

Reviewed by
Mike Ramirez

Visit
SMP on the Web

Visit
Catastrophe

Last Edit/Update
22 June, 1999

Ultimatum

Track Listing

1. Humanplayer
2. Militia Love
3. Nil Factor
4. Success
5. Intensity
6. Pre-Emptive
7. Fun & Games
8. Born Of Science (Hybrid Mix)
9. Riotstarter
10. Negative
11. Enemies
12. Blackjack
13. Electric Prod
14. Dial M
15. Topside
16. Razed
17. Gameover

    Finally, a disc that has the elements of raw punk, rap, and electro, and doesn't fail at presenting it! SMP is possibly the first band in the genre to actually present something different instead of the boring *4-on-the-floor* trademark that nearly every electro act today showcases. So trade in your Addams Family wardrobe and put on some baggy shorts, cause SMP is going to break all the rules and put some groove into that CD player of yours. Plus, I think it's time to *86* that Project Pitchfork CD anyway.
    On "Ultimatum," SMP's second disc, the songs are much more structured and developed their previous efforts. The intense rhythms and vocals are still present, but it seems that the band has progressed in their songwriting, rather than taking a step back which most bands do. Fans of punk, industrial, rap, and hard electro should be getting into the SMP vibe within minutes after hearing this album.
    The disc opens with "Humanplayer," a one minute track which contains  bass lines and rhythms reminiscent of Dr. Dre's "Deep Cover," and then jumps right into the best song on the disc, "Militia Love." Here, the funky rhythms, scratches, and vocals never weaken one bit. From here on out, the disc packs a punch worth of tracks loaded with dance-accessible rhythms, without losing stamina. SMP can even take a high-energy club beat, and turn it into an aggressive track, as displayed on "Pre-Emptive." Lush synth work and unique samples dominate all here, even if the beat is capable of relation to a roller skating song. Tracks such as "Riotstarter," "Born Of Science," and "Electric Prod" never stray away from the SMP formula punk riffs, raw rap vocals, and complex rhythms. Oh my, if only every band knew how to take some notes!
    The only track that I find on this album to be a little sloppy is "Success," mainly due to boring sound that it has on disc. Even though it contains the speed-metal programmed beat, the track seemed as filler for the disc, and would probably come off better being performed live than on disc. I'm sure that the live appeal of the band wouldn't let any of their tracks fail.
    Overall, an amazing disc, possibly one of the best finds out there
now. It's time for a new breed of music; a combination of the best elements
that different genres have to offer, instead of just sticking to one formula. SMP are here to present it.....I think it's about time that you listen.