POP SHUVIT Before, you could've written them off as just fans of the nu-metal/rap-rock genre, which were trying to milk that sound for all it's worth. That was the time when the world was just getting to know the likes of Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, but this second album shows just how they've taken that genre and made it their own. Now, Pop Shuvit has captured its own synchronised chaos in heavy spurts of professionalism. But, they're getting a little help in that professionalism corner, with the seasoned `masterer', the US based Tom Baker. Baker has a list of credentials impressive enough to knock the mic out of any rocking band, let alone a Malaysian band. He has mastered for the likes of Beastie Boys, Alice Cooper, Deftones, Hoobastank, Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, P.O.D, Ramones, Porno For Pyros, Papa Roach, Stone Temple Pilots, Sugar Ray, UB40, Velvet Revolver, and that's just the tip of the ice berg. It's a little `old skool', a little `nu skool', it's rockier, edgier and definitely popping with Pop Shuvit flavour. Pop Shuvit is a group of highly-skilled musicians and vocalists who sing in English simply because they are more comfortable with the language. The name stems from a term in skateboarding, not some kind of rude remark! There is no real record of when the group was formed as the members met each other in 1993 and played in various bands. But they moved within the same circle of friends. And finally, in late 2000, the current line-up more or less solidified with Moots! and Point (of Ammo) at the mike, JD, AJ, Rudy and DJ Uno. They amassed quite a following due to their strong material and energetic and riveting showmanship. Their single Jump, leaped to the top of the Hitz.fm chart for several weeks, the first time a group was able to do this without an album to their credit. Jump was produced by M. Shafiq Abdullah and co-produced by Yogi B of Poetic Ammo. The former also helped in producing their maiden album Take It & Shuvit. Aside from finishing off recording and mastering, Pop Shuvit has also been busy getting its merchandise label, `Unknown Clothing', up and running, and is currently selling T-shirts designed by an upcoming local designer. Those interested in the T-shirts can find out more about the label by logging on to www.popshuvit.net . You can get it from Kiddult Streetwear and Phobia Click Gallery at Sg Wang Plaza (3rd and 6th floor respectively).