It takes a number of elements to stay ahead of the redundancy curve if you’re part of the nu-metal pack. But the qualities that save Five Pointe 0’s bacon are as old as rock itself. Combine solid songs, catchy harmonies, a big hook or three, some variance in texture and the occasional quirk (their classic-beach-music-meets-down-tuned-grind nexus really must be heard to be believed) and you’re off to a good start no matter what genre you’re plying. Extreme youth and the fact that one of your guitarists is a girl never hurts, either. Such is the case for this Joliet, Illinois, sextet, making its first appearance in town in support of its Roadrunner debut, Untitled. And if you happen to dig the band, you won’t have to wait long for the CD, which will be released the following Tuesday.
This article appears in Mar 14-20, 2002.