GRADE: B-

CD •For all of their rap-rock faults, the masked members of Hollywood Undead understand the importance of dynamics on their new album, "Notes From the Underground," and that separates them from most of their peers in a genre that grew tired a decade ago. For every here-comes-the-boom skull-crusher with references to Colombian neckties and silicone dreams, there are moments in songs such as "From the Ground" and "Lion" that show a talent for genuine reflection and softer, hook-heavy melodies. "You can see God when I take my mask off" is a lyric from the first single "We Are," and while we don't often see God in the music here, we can see God's children with humanity.

David Burger —

Jonesing for more PopTop reviews?

For an archive of more CD, video and game reviews, visit http://www.sltrib.com/topics/poptop.