Cex: Maryland Mansions : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Merging hip-hop, emo and industrial music on his second album of 2003, Cex -- the nom de rock of Rjyan Kidwell -- assists in the diversification of Jade Tree Records with his debut for the once staunch punk label. And it's impressive to think that the twenty-one-year old Kidwell crafted most of the superb, genre-defying Maryland Mansions in his bedroom. Unlike most style-hoppers, Cex is closer to a visionary than a novelty, even if he's a little too reliant on his drum machine. "Food is disgusting/It's what they make shit from," exclaims Rjyan on "Stop Eating," as his sense of humor shines atop a consistent thump. Beneath the wit, however, there is mostly pain, as hopelessness takes over on "Take Pills." Even more desperate is "Kill Me," where Kidwell models himself after Trent Reznor with surprisingly good results. Shifting gears again for "My Head," the kid puts rap, a melodic hook, programmed beats and acoustic guitars together in a way that's thankfully far closer to Bright Eyes than Everlast. With Maryland Mansions, Cex may not have figured out what he wants to be stylistically, but by keeping his approach as eclectic as his range of emotions, he pushes the boundaries while he's pushing your buttons.

JOHN D. LUERSSEN
(November 10, 2003)