Claiming half the map but Left Coast at heart, Militia is a bangin' group with fairly enjoyable styles and tunes. Don't listen to anybody trying to sell this group to you -- they're billed as everything from a cure to coastal beefs to a nationwide conglomerate of MCs. Detroit's Lord G is about the farthest outta Cali this group gets, save Stockton-born Diz who lived in Oklahoma for a while.

Lyrically, this group walks the general territory of MC braggadocio with forays into weed-laced euphoria and crime stories. Musically, it's really too fast to be strictly called stereotypical "West Coast rap," involving interesting horn samples, whistles, bells, and other extraordinary sonic wallpaper that make this album worth a listen.

The five members shine in different ways -- the more you listen to this album, the better it gets. Diz and Deviuz are the duo who lace the group's indica blessed single "Burn," which is in rotation at some stations. Lord G is rugged, bringing a more eastern feel to both tracks and lyrics, which balances the sound nicely. Rounding out the group are the guttural Mr. Tan (who isn't terribly distinctive on the album, but is a solid arm of a lyrical Lion Force Voltron), and the tight-dress wearing Ms. Toi. She's interesting because -- allegedly -- she rhymes, and spits a line or two on a couple of songs. Mostly, she's probably the sultry singing voice that so well fits in the group's choruses, tryin' for some Lauryn shit.

Standout cuts include the single, "From The Gate" and "Who's The Next" (where Deviuz says, "who be the next contender?/ MCs surrender/ you don't stand a chance/ I turn Battlecat to Cringer!"). This is a solid if not outstanding debut from a group with a lot of potential. Worth the $8 tape shot on sale at Wherehouse, fa' sho' and an interesting blend of sounds and ideas all around.