FACE TO FACE “Reactionary”
Well this isn’t quite a “new” release since it came out in June, but it is fairly new to me as I picked it up out of the used bin last week. I remember the first time someone gave me a tape of FACE TO FACE’s “Don’t Turn Away” album on FAT when I was in 9th grade. It was one of my first entrances into the whole melodicore sound, and all things considered, I’d say that “Don’t Turn Away,” has been a huge influence of legions of bands who have forged a similar type of sound in years past. Now, with a few more albums under their belt, and a much larger fan base, FACE TO FACE turn back the clock on “Reactionary,” and return to the sound that they helped pioneer. “Reactionary” is a splendid album that thrashes through 12 solid punk rock gems. The key point behind this album was that the band recorded 16 songs and put them up for voting on mp3.com. The 12 songs with the highest votes were selected, and then put into the appropriate sequencing by the band, and out came the album a few months later. It appears that the fans were right (including myself, as I was one of the 1.8 million fans who voted) because every song on here is a kicker! From the moment “Disappointed” begins, and traveling through such tracks as “you could’ve had everything,” “best defense,” and the wallop of closer, “estranged,” not one second is left out to dry. My only complaint is that even with the major label production, the guitars sound a bit thin and distanced from Trever’s awesome voice. While returning to the rock, FACE TO FACE must have done a little soul searching because you know this music comes from deep within. There is no reason to make this review any longer – this is some great melodic punk music, with inspiring lyrics, and pounding rhythms.
Beyond/BMG
