Between The WarsIt seems these guys have had a strong buzz surrounding them (by hardcore standards anyway) over the last couple of weeks, and I've heard nothing but good things from people who know what's up. You would actually think these guys would be getting more exposure considering they feature Ensign's Tim Shaw on vocals and Bill Henderson who founded and played guitar in Thursday, as well as the lesser known NJ band Purpose, which featured other notable members that went on to join/play in Saves The Day and Ensign. You would think it'd be difficult considering most of the guys in the band all have other bands that they are in, but I guess it helps that they are all from NJ.
Before this, the band released the "Less We Believe" EP, which was released in 2006 on Think Fast! And this is another interesting thing, I'm not 100% sure, but I think these guys got their name from a Billy Bragg song, I believe it was from the "Life's A Riot Between The Wars" album.
This full length contains 16 tracks of metallically tinged hardcore/punk that has no shortage of variety in both the dynamics of the song writing, as well as the tempos that are used herein. And man, I don't recall Bill Henderson laying down licks as sweet as this on anything he did with Thursday. And Tim Shaw's raspy, desperate yells just seep into your mind as he vehemently chastises everything from religion, the government, and it's mindless followers. These guys have no bass player, so Bill and Joe Tarella both share the duties on this record, and they both do a fantastic job of throwing some intricate basslines. It's crazy how consistent this album sounds even with the minor stylistic changes that are thrown in. Some songs have a straight up thrash song complete with sweet soloing. Then you have a song like "Clenched Fist" that has an almost 108 feel to it. There are also moments of the straight forward punk. And I can't forget to mention the wonderful drum work provided by Paul Colucci, who does a masterful job of complimenting everything the guitarist throw his way. He can be simple when need be but can throw in some sick fills too.
Even before the music grew on me, I was really feeling the lyrics (which also kept me listening to this over and over). The song "Keep Laughing" seems to be about believing in religion only for it not help you out when you really needed it the most, or it could just be about a friend but with all of the other songs that have a religious undertone I would assume it to be the prior. "Sore Throat" is about how even though you're not doing the killing in the war, you're still guilty for not standing up and screaming out "No More!". "For Nothing" tells its listener to "defy [y]our masters" and that we owe our government nothing because this country was built on our backs while the top 2% collect all the money, we crawl for pennies to the dollar trying to make ends meet. "No Obligation" is one of my favorite songs lyrically as it talks about how kids shouldn't be forced into religion until they can form their own opinion. "The Last Drop" is Tim Shaw letting you know that hardcore/punk music has given him so much and he will give everything he can back to it. "The Meek Will Inherit Nothing" is about how unless you fight for something with courage you will just "...fade to dust." "Clenched Fist" is about how religions have used war and bloodshed to gain followers rather than a peaceful, respectful way. That's some of the songs that really stood out to me, and I'm sure by after reading that and my other reviews that I really have a disdain for organized religion.
The recording job on this is unreal. It comes through your speakers crystal clear, every plucked note resonates beautifully. Bill Henderson did a wonderful job producing this. The guitar tone is versatile as hell, it sounds great whether it's during a metal-esque solo or acoustic interlude. The bass tone is equally good, the tone is warm with just the right amount of twang to help it cut through the mix a bit. Tim Shaw's raspy screams sound great with just the slightest effects added in certain spots. Couldn't have for a better drum tone for this recording. Kudos and them some.
Now this is one hell of a layout! The high quality gloss layout is full of awesome metallic gold ink with plenty of blue to accent it. The front cover design is aweeeesome, the water in the middle looks realistic as hell while the waves that are about to crash over the ship are cartoony looking. The map that is placed in the background was a really nice touch (this is also done in the booklet). The booklet is 6 pages, and were really well designed. Each page has the lyrics displayed over a piece of yellow paper with band photos and images that tie into the theme and color scheme contrasted into the background. Really good shit here.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing, For Nothing, and Clenched Fist
Synopsis: The first spin I wasn't totally into this but man the more I listened to it, the more it grew on me. The music is varied and dynamic enough to hold your attention, the lyrics are awesome and the recording and layout are on point. A shame these guys probably won't get any bigger than they are now because of their respective bands.
Check out what these guys have to offer. If you like what you hear, make the purchase, labels can use all the support they can get.