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THE REVIEW
Once upon a time there were the Gorilla Biscuits in the '80s. Then came Quicksand and the '90s. The common denominator of these groups and the American Hardcore scene is Walter Schreifels, who reemerges in the '00s with this new project named Rival Schools, which is a video game titled "Rival Schools United By Fate" from Nintendo. A nice step away from the Nu Metal scene that has been popular all the way from the East to the West Coast.
No clichés that made Fred Durst & Co. famous. A healthy power pop, sometimes even too melodic (Gorilla Biscuits fans will wrinkle their noses) palpable in the ballad "Undercovers On" and the following "Good Things". Appreciable is the never rude power expressed in "Used For Glue" and "High Acetate" and "The Switch". Don't miss "Favorite Star", the best track of the album.
Overall, in the end, the songs seem to superficially resemble each other a bit, but what depth of sounds and what beautiful guitars! They remind me a bit of the things done by Bob Mould in the post-Hüsker Dü era under various names (Sugar and Bob Mould), particularly the self-titled album released in 1996.
Those who, like me, suffer from nostalgia will gladly listen to some things again...
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Summary by Bot
Rival Schools' United By Fate marks Walter Schreifels' fresh return to music with a blend of melodic hardcore and power pop. The album distances itself from nu metal clichés, offering heartfelt ballads and powerful tracks. Fans of the American Hardcore scene will appreciate the depth and nostalgic guitar work reminiscent of Bob Mould. Though some songs sound similar, the overall execution is compelling and enjoyable.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Rival Schools
Rival Schools is an American post-hardcore/alternative rock band fronted by Walter Schreifels, known for the album United By Fate.02 Reviews
Other reviews
By uffa
This is Walter Schreifels' new band!
Overall, a great record, whose commercial policy might even capture the general public.
