Lostprophets Found

Lostprophets are ready to "Start Something." The sophomore effort from the young Welsh men is the epitome of the term "artistic maturity."

Lostprophets first came on the rock scene in 1997. Their initial LP, 2001's "The Fake Sound of Progress," was a heavy mix of emo lyrics and the seven-string guitar/Mesa Boogie Amp style made popular by Korn. If Korn were combined with Incubus, the result would be sound akin to Lostprophets.

For "Start Something," the group has maintained this unusual yet stylistic sound, except the group has matured and it seems to have found its niche.

Lead singer Ian Watkins voice is older now. He has lost the nasal whine that was characteristic of the first release, and there is less emphasis on loud guitars. Instead, the songs are melodic, yet they manage to maintain the heaviness of metal. The songs' melodies prove so effective that they manage to flow into one another.

These proud straight edge rockers sing in protest of corporate influence and social fakes. Their lyrics also reflect nostalgia, as if they wish to return to the innocence of their younger years.

While the rest of the world sees the success of Lostprophets blooming, the band seems relatively unheard of here in America. They have spent most of the first part of their career defending themselves against the label of "posers." They are, however, slowly gaining recognition, as the radio scene begins to play their single "Last Train Home," the band's first bout with the charts since "Burn, Burn," in 2001. Their latest release has proved their musical aptitude.