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 ...

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 ...

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 ...