Jason Newsted made a bold move in early 2001 when he left Metallica, partially because of the band’s strict policy about side-projects. It was one of those admiral exits similar to Wes Borland’s announcement to leave Limp Bizkit last October. Borland also is focusing on his new band, Eat the Day.

While Borland’s future still is uncertain, Newsted demonstrates his potential with EchoBrain - his current mainstay.

From start to finish, the record flows with consistent, oozing textures that shine brilliantly behind Dylan Donkin’s vocals.

This is honest rock ’n’ roll without the extra malarkey. The loud and somewhat repetitive themes of Metallica are replaced by musical innuendoes of Alice in Chains, Mudhoney and Porno for Pyros.

“Adrift” takes heed from its own title, as it swifts gently with an acoustic guitar and some trippy violin effects. “Keep Me Alive” follows the same theme.

On the opener, “Colder World,” Donkin’s vocals and guitar work will make any Pixies fan drool with envy.

“Spoonfed” sounds like a (now defunct) Toadies B-side, but not to the point where it would be considered a rip-off, while “Cryin’ Shame” has a verse similar to Filter, but changes direction drastically.

“Suckerpunch” recruits the string work of Kirk Hammett (of Metallica), and for followers of Metallica, Hammett’s style is easily recognizable - even though he doesn’t make an effort to be the focal point of the song.

There are so many influences here, but this band stands alone with its craft. It shows a lot of promise - and it’s going to be ringing echoes in many brains, very soon.