If someone tells you they expected an album like
this from Project 86, turn around and walk away. Because
you don't want to speak to that person again. Because
they're lying. And chances are if they're lying about
something like this, they have a pathological problem.
No one could have foreseen Rival Factions.
Thoughts upon the initial listen? "How does
this record make any sense? There's no way this is
going to get better with subsequent listens. How can
I possibly review this, let alone give it a positive
spin?!" But the second time through, it did start
to make sense, and things started to fit. Lo and behold,
by the fourth pass, this had become a great album.
And although it’s certainly not one of those
“immediate albums,” it’s definitely
a lesson in brevity, clocking in at just 35 minutes.
The first three tracks are heavy and fast-paced with
the urgency of punk. By the time "Molotov"
hits at #4, you're ready for a breather. And while
things don't really slow down, they certainly start
to get weird. Vocalist Andrew Schwab nearly adopts
a faux British accent for parts of the song, a mix
of new wave melodrama and the gloominess of The Cure.
"Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer" (anyone
who doesn't get that isn't an Elton John fan or hasn't
seen Almost Famous) could easily fit on a Marilyn
Manson album, with its heavy bass riff, eerie keyboards,
and swaggering arrangement lining up well for the
shock-rocker's crowd. Album closer "Normandy"
sounds like a cross between current genre benders
Deadsy and new wave (again?!).
With Alex Albert’s recent friendly departure
from the band because of family reasons, Jason Gerken’s
(Shiner, Open Hand, She Wants Revenge) drumming fits
right in with the rest of the band. Steven Dail’s
usual low but tweaked bass lines have never sounded
better. Guitarist Randy Torres’ keyboards abound,
playing a large role in “Illuminate,”
as well as the aforementioned “Molotov”
and “Normandy.” Schwab's lyrics are stellar
as ever. My interpretation of his musings? Striking
out at hypocrisy in the church ("The Sanctuary
Hum"), his customary angst toward past management
and record execs ("Put Your Lips to the TV"),
and amusing storytelling of well-meaning fans with
their out of line questions ("Caveman Jam").
And “The Forces Of Radio Have Dropped A Viper
In The Rhythm Section” is one of the coolest
song titles ever.
Strangely enough, Project 86 has released the most
unexpected album of their career, yet also one of
the best of the year to date.
Key Tracks: It’s really hard to choose only
a few; there really is no filler here. But “The
Sanctuary Hum” will appeal to longtime fans,
while “Molotov” and “Normandy”
are great examples of the daring experimentation that
abounds.
Reviewed by Chad Olson |
