By Mike Fordham

Mention the phrase “rap-rock” to anyone, and names like Korn, Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock will come forth. In most instances, such groups emphasize rock while imitating rap culture. Years after rap-rock’s heyday in the late ’90’s, however, El Pus brings a new take on the genre. The black quintet from Atlanta offers their debut effort Hoodlum Rock Volume 1, while dubbing themselves as “crunk-rock.”

Unlike many of their prior contemporaries, El Pus (pronounced “poose”) do away with MC’s and turntables, letting their voices and instruments do the work instead. Vocalists Cufi and Cosmo share rhymes while the rest of the act plugs away in their distinct style that swings from hyper to lazy.

This being “crunk-rock,” the majority of the songs concern women and weed, relying upon tired ideas. “Monday Morning” calls for partying and cheeba. The group vocals on the chorus, though, make for an interesting listen. “Thing Thing” gets the head bobbing due to the bouncing groove, not because of the clichéd ideals about individualism. Clichés are also abound in “Days Of The BK’s,” a reminiscence on the carefree days of childhood. If El Pus could take a cue from cerebral rappers like De La Soul, Sage Francis or Mos Def, the band could really make a dent in urban and pop music. Striving for the likes of Lil’ Jon, however, hasn’t helped the group.

Unlike crunk’s trademark hyper fast, hard-hitting style, El Pus is much more relaxed. A rolling beat and cascading vocals make “Girl” a standout track, but unfortunately never goes anywhere. “Slot Machine” too creeps along.

What stings about El Pus is that they know they can do better and accomplish more. Witness “Suburb Thuggin’,” far and away the best track on the album. The group taunts suburbanites trying to be thugs. Here, El Pus flies with punk-like energy, skillfully utilizing their rap abilities. The result takes down wannabes, and proves that El Pus is onto something. They just need to actualize it.

Don’t write off El Pus as a gimmick. Rap-rock has obviously been done before, and the stereotype of a black rock band has been shattered in the past (Living Colour, Fishbone, Robert Randolph & the Family Band). El Pus could be starting something with Hoodlum Rock Volume 1, but instead will probably be stuck with the “crunk-rock” tag and dismissed.

The Chronicle gives ´Hoodlum Rock Volume 1´, by El-Pus two 1/2 out of five stars.