This would have made my best of 2000 list, but technically it is not going to be released till January 30th. Which also means one other thing – I’m blessed to have a copy of this so early!!! FADED GREY are Indecision’s new darlings, and this debut release is absolutely terrific. Imagine youth-crew hardcore, fairly similar to ENSIGN, with great breaks more akin to old LIFETIME. The lyrics are very intelligent, which is also a plus in my book, and the music creates a thumpin’ Lyrically topics shift back and forth from positive anthems to ripping critical attacks on incidents past. The song that hits with the most poignancy is “Scarecrow,” which reflects on the horrible death of Matthew Sheppard, the Wyoming man killed because he was gay. From what I understand, this song also appears on a newly released anti-hate crime compilation, and I wish more bands would take this kind of approach to their music. “Makeshift Family,” attacks a fatherly figure who abandons his family and then seeks to re-enter it when the time is more fitting for him. This song fucking crushes! Musically, at times, this band is very similar to ENSIGN, but with clearer vocals and more complex guitar parts. It is obvious the members of this band are highly talented at their respective instruments, and of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Paul Miner record your album at his crankin’ studio, For the Record. If you crave fairly melodic HARDCORE with a real backbone, this is worthy of your attention. After the first listen, I was worn out from jumping around my room. This band needs to come out and play some East Coast dates because I imagine their live show would be furious. Another Winner from Indecision.

Indecision Records

www.indecisionrecords.com