Builders of the Future [Best Buy Exclusive] [CD]

Vocals Spyder has seen his lion's share of line-up changes throughout his career as the PM5K leader, and for better or worse, there is a new album! Many bands this old tend to be doing 'reunion' or 'album anniversary' tours right now, so to their credit, Powerman5000 has persevered, and keeps their genre of electric, techno rock pulsing with BUILDERS OF THE FUTURE. For what it's worth, although not much, it's a bit entertaining. There are a few catchy choruses and lines that stay slightly memorable to the mind. Full, albeit uninspiring, guitar riffs with slight programming in the mix. Other than that, tunes feel like weak and cheesy filler, for wasting album space's sake. "We are the children, builders of the future," chants Spyder.. yet isn't he a bit old for that? Hah.. Oh well. For the avid Power fan out there, this album may have some appeal; otherwise, for the occasional spin, I'd recommend Tonight The Stars Revolt or Transform over this release, if not for simple nostalgia alone with those earlier releases. It's not bad! ...well produced, and loaded with sheen n' shine... It's just not that good.

This is a decent PM5K album. At this point, all PM5K albums are for their most loyal of fans. They're not going to win over many 'new' fans with this album if any at all but what you see is what you get. I would say this album is on par with the last LP, 'Somewhere On the Other Side of Nowhere'. It harkens back to the sound on 'Tonight! The Stars Revolt!!' but falls short to that album in terms of overall sound. The average songs which are all but a few are very average. The singles are good. 'I want to Kill you..' is a step outside of the normal PM5K box which isn't a bad thing. Overall, it's a middle-of-the pack album as far as rankings go on PM5K albums. It won't disappoint to the loyal PM5K fan but it's not overwhelmingly great to a new listener by any means.

I am a big Powerman 5000 fan and have always enjoyed their exploration of music and sounds with the alien, robots, and monster motifs. In this CD, they kick it into high gear and push the music even farther by infusing electronic, techno, and even a tiny bit of dub step into their tried and true rock formula. Lead singer and band front man, Spider 1, also includes an acoustic track to settle any doubts of his vocal abilities that is haunting yet beautiful. A must for any fan and a great addition to any rock/industrial metal/electronic music fan!

I'm glad Spider decided to continue with the Sci-Fi space rock theme with this album--just like on "'Stars Revolt" and "Somewhere On The Other Side Of Nowhere"--but most songs here are bland by comparison. I LOVE the track "How To Be A Human"…I just wish I could say the same for the rest. Repetitive lyrics and simple compositions are the rule here. Hardcore fans will still find enough to warrant a purchase, but the casual listener should pass this one up. 3/5 stars from me.

I was so excited when I found out that Powerman was coming out with this new album. My mind was set on purchasing this album on the day that it came out. The more I listen to 'Builders of the Future' the more I remember why the band is one of my favorites. I am glad that they make us fans wait for their music and it makes us appreciate them that much more.

The new Powerman 5000 CD was well worth the wait as it has been about 5 years since the release of their last album. There is plenty of variety,yet the overall CD retains the PM5K trademark sound making for an enjoyable listen. The BestBuy bonus tracks are the icing on the cake. Get it while you can.

Powerman 5000 always have great, high energy songs. Builders Of The Future continues in that tradition. Heard a few of the tracks live a couple of weeks before the CD was released. Knew then that I would be grabbing this CD shortly after it hit the shelves. Enjoyed all the tracks. PM5K for the win!

If you listen to this album as a plain rock album, it's good. Nice guitar riffs, stereotypical lyrics, decent melodies. If taken as a Powerman album, it's not their worst, but definitely not the best (I still think Tonight the Stars Revolt! is their best).