Cypress Hill Not in Peak Form

** CYPRESS HILL

“Skull & Bones”

Columbia

On its fifth full-length studio album (in stores today), the Los Angeles quartet abandons its trailblazing ways in favor of a safer, more predictable approach. There’s nothing wrong with attempting to fit in with contemporary sounds, but Cypress Hill’s new direction pales next to its normally abrasive, raucous sonic and lyrical agenda.

Producer DJ Muggs opts for a much slicker aural tapestry than usual on the hip-hop-centric “Skull” section of the 17-song collection, but it doesn’t always gel with the gruff rapping of B-Real and Sen Dog. In fact, much of Cypress’ appeal in the past came from Muggs’ grimy, eerie, bottom-heavy beats.

B-Real and Sen Dog also seem to have blunted their approach by being less graphic and detailed in their lyrics. On the “Bones” portion of the album, which includes “(Rock) Superstar,” Cypress attempts to keep pace with the Korns, Kid Rocks and Limp Bizkits of the world. Until this album, Cypress Hill was the one that others tried to keep pace with.

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