I wanted to initially post a bunch of new reviews at once but I have been sitting on these three for to long now and these records have been out for some time already. Either way these are amazing albums from three very amazing bands. I have been anticipating the new Rival Schools album for a long time now and while doing so I stumbled upon a new band (Fell To Low) and the new Supertouch EP which both took me by storm. Anyways enjoy the read and I hope they will motivate you enough to go out buy these records.
- newnoise|zine
Rival Schools - Pedals
March 8, 2011 | Photo Finish Records [9/10]
It's been 10 long years but finally the four piece 'post hardcore' supergroup is back with their second full length titled "Pedals". Following up on their debut album "United By Fate" which was released in 2001, the band is off of their hiatus and back into the swing of things. It would be an understatement to say that this album has been highly anticipated due to the all of the praise and positive responses that this album has been given by their fans.
Although most people would categorize Rival Schools as a 'post hardcore' band due to their previous efforts, I wouldn't categorize this album under that title very strictly. In my opinion this is a straight forward rock album, so there should be no point in trying to sub categorize the music even more to the point were you are just confusing people. This record showcases many different styles and characteristics; from their thick guitar rhythms to multiple layers of effects that displays a perfect sonic landscape for which they're known for. From the first verse in the opening track "Wring It Out" to the drums and bass creating such a tight groove in "Shot After Shot" and "69 Guns"; this album doesn't lose a beat for a minute. This four piece has proven that even after ten years and only one previous album under their belts that they can still grow as musicians and craft their sound.
In comparison to their previous efforts this album has a different vibe to it overall. What really stood out for me when listening to this was how much of an acoustic aspect these songs carried. Obviously they did use an acoustic to fill out some of the sonic void in the mix but even as far as songwriting goes; I feel in a way that many of these songs on this full length were written on acoustic prior to tracking the album. Which would make sense seeing as how Walter put out a solo acoustic album last year, so maybe that influence came into play when recording "Pedals". Either way it gives this album a sort of pop sound, which believe me is not a bad thing. I read recently in an interview with Walter that they have already begun writing for a third full length. It was in that interview he stated that he has never completed a third full length with any of his bands/projects before. As he put it; "if you listen to a bands third album it is usual their best work". I feel that his statement for the most part is very true, and I am curious to see where they take their sound.
All in all this record was well worth the wait. For most of you it was 10 years and for others who have just caught on; it might not have been as long. However, these four musicians proved that no matter how long it takes; a band can still come back and put out amazing music and grow as a band. "Pedals" represents their comeback and will hopefully light the fire for them to continue onward, and push their sound to a new level.
Supertouch - Lost My Way
January 10, 2011 | Reaper Records [7/10]
Many people over the years have told me to check out Supertouch due to how much I love 90's hardcore. I had never really gave them a full on listen until I saw a teaser video that they did for the new 7inch. I immediately check out 'The Earth Is Flat' and was ashamed of myself for not ever listening to it when I was first introduced. There is a reason why its a classic NYHC album from the 90's and its because of the songwriting and lyrics.
Now after a couple of decades Supertouch is back with four songs of pure energy, and it seems as if they never stop writing music from the sounds of it. I would go on record with saying that this is probably the most musically inclined hardcore record of the year. In todays hardcore its easy to get caught sounding like everyone else, even if the band has been around for 20 years. However, Supertouch stuck with their sound and brought forth originality which seems hard to ask for these days. For this being a four song EP it flows very nicely, the songs are not to long and not too short and after I had my first listen through all I wanted was to hear more. These songs are very guitar oriented, the vocals are primarily underneath the instrumentation but still dominant in the mix. However I feel like a lot of the lead work from the guitar acts as the vocal melody. The production is very overly compressed but still leaves room for air, and that really gives off the vibe off what supertouch is all about. A major aspect that caught swept me off my feet was the vocals. There are parts in a few of these songs were you hear distortion on his voice, which goes side by side with the music.
Both sides have a pattern to them, and thats slow verses fast. Side A starts off with a slow and mid paced song "Lost My Way" followed swiftly by "Just These Days" which is a very fast and upbeat song. On side B you have the same thing sort of only starting off upbeat with "Get On, Get On" followed by "Now That You're Far From Home" which fit easily into the shoes of a Rock Ballad. I've been listening to this record nonstop since it was released, and I have yet to get sick of hearing it. Usually i'll get excited about a record and then it sort of gets played out, but I don't think this will be the case with "Lost My Way" in the least bit. This record will stand its time and if kids don't understand it now then they will down the road.
Fell To Low - The Frontier Wit
2011 | Dog Family & Fineprint Records [8/10]
This band took me by surprise when I first checked them out. I remember watching a live set online and just being blown away on how awesome and different the music was. So I was very excited to see that they had already put out a record and in the process of putting out a new one (that being this at the time). Fell To Low resembles indie punk rock at its finest by playing very fast and aggressive songs to mid tempo chord progressions that resembles Fugazi and Lungfish to some Sunny Day Real Estate at times.
One of the main things that struck me with this band was their sound. The guitar tones are very unique and stand out so much. They are very loud and have a lot of hi gain output, which may ound clean but very much distorted at the same time. Not to mention it has a very thin and twangy sound given off by the single coils in the guitar (thats just me being a gear nerd, no ordinary listener would pick up on that). Punk rock should be fast, aggressive and very dissonant. Fell To Low definitely fits thats criteria while adding some indie rock thrills into their mix, and it works. The second track on side A "Palmyra" is with out a doubt a Fugazi worship, and when the chorus kicks in all I can imagine is a mid 80's DC punk band. But don't take that the wrong way, they are not a band that just rips off the classic dischord sound. They are a band filled with nothing but originality, uniqueness, and maturity.
This record ends with "Unicorn" which starts out very eerie and slow but then staggers into a more mid tempo indie rock jam. My favorite tracks off of this 10" would have to be "Unicorn" and "Palmyra". Both songs just catch to my ears and never seem to get out of my head. I like that with this record there is no silence between the tracks, it's all a continuation (except for when you switch between sides, obviously). As simple as that sounds you don't hear to much of it and in my opinion it makes you feel like the band is playing live right in front of you, which is how punk rock is meant to be. I would say that this is one of those bands for the hardcore or punk kids who are looking for something new and exciting to listen to, because Fell To Low definetly took me by surprise and with each listen I get into the music more and more. I am really looking forward to see this band progress and keep putting out awesome music.
