Rival Schools
United By Fate

THE REVIEW

In two words: This is Walter Schreifels' new band! Someone with years of important experiences behind him, it's worth mentioning the collaborations with Gorilla Biscuits and the production of CIV's first album, not to forget the two records with his previous legendary band - Quicksand - needs no special introductions. And in "United By Fate" by Rival Schools, it seems all of W. Schreifels' musical influences have converged, an album undoubtedly in the name of rock. His Quicksand-like voice (melodic hardcore) is unmistakable, which in my opinion has inspired the entire emocore scene over the last 3-4 years. The melodic theme, already successfully applied by Quicksand, also prevails in Rival Schools, but overall the sound is softer and poppier (even Walter Schreifels gets older) thanks to the original combination between clean and acoustic guitars, which often wander into solo arpeggios and simple yet effective solos, and those distorted in excellent "Gibson Les Paul" style, perfectly set in an aggressive and dynamic context. Thus, "Travel By Telephone" and "Everything's has its point", the first two songs, excite on first listen and I believe not just melodic hardcore lovers, as the new pop influences unmistakably dictate the times and rhythms. Compared to Quicksand (I will never stop comparing them to them) even the changes within the songs have matured, no longer so fast and shooting, but decidedly more harmonious and enjoyable. However, some might not like them (see final criticism). Perhaps a bit out of concept is track no. 3, "High Acetate", whose chorus is a bit too obsessive and whose music recalls a poorly accomplished Nirvana track. But it's the exception to the rule, as the subsequent songs are full of energy and all on par with the single "Used For Glue", with which "United By Fate" was successfully launched at the end of 2001 and which is the brightest track (recalls a bit Paw or Foo Fighters), more tied to the hardcore past. And unfortunately, as an indomitable Quicksand fan that I am, I can't help but criticize the evident overly commercial aspiration of this work, as the production is certainly not comparable to the good (and indie) things W. Schreifels has done in the past: "Holding Sand", which at first sight could even be by Queens of the Stone Age, almost exemplarily mirrors this doubt. Overall, a great record, whose commercial policy might even capture the general public. Let's just hope we don't have to wait too long, as has always unfortunately happened in the past, for their next release.