United By Fate - Rival Schools

Rival Schools - United By Fate Singer/guiatariest Walter Schriefels, formerly of Quicksnad, delivers s oulfly, lyrically reflective triumph. Joined by ex-members of CIV, Schriefels possesses a magnetism to perfectly offset his vulnerable sounding wails, matched by driving guitar and slashing hooks. Go Buy It Today! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival School! Rival ...  Read the complete review

Lots of bands have tried to sound like Nirvana, and the result is normally the lumpen plodding stuff you associate with Bush and Puddle of Mudd, but here comes a band that effortlessly recapture the spirit of 91 with their punk grunge that recalls not only Nirvana but other old school US indie pioneers such as Dinosaur Jr, Fugazi etc. The single Used For Glue is the pick of the bunch, all the classic elements are there - gloriously heavy riff, quiet bits followed by emotional chorus you can sing along to, neat guitar solo returning to more heavy riffing and quiet bits. Other instantly standout tracks include High Acetate with its pop tune and aggressive chord ...  Read the complete review

A fresh new lively sound, from an interesting side project, Rival schools are a 4 piece who hail from existing hardcore bands (whose names i don't know/ cant remember, but werent that great anyway). 'United by fate' is a cracking punk/rock album, and i would argue that it is a lot better than the artists individual bands. Great for fans of vigourous, uplifting punk rock music, it has great energy, and choruses, but perhaps a little experimental towards the end. The opening 'Travel by telephone' begins the album with furious druming, screeching guitars, and raspy vocals (the vocalist's singing reminds me a little of Gavin from Bush). An ...  Read the complete review

2001 was a fantastic year for emo. There have been classic new records from Weezer, Saves The Day, New End Original and Jimmy Eat World to name but four. But one of the very best to pop out of nowhere this year is the new offering from emo supergroup Rival Schools. Featuring the vocals of ex-Quicksand man Walter Schreifels, Rival Schools have produced one of the most poignant and emotastic records of the year. A diverse collection of tunes that blend a number of different influences into one big melting pot, producing an absolute classic. Opener 'Travel By Telephone' sounds a bit like Walter's former band, but thankfully Rival Schools are ...  Read the complete review