Champion "Promises Kept" CD
[Bridge Nine]
Here's the debut full-length from this Seattle straightedge band. I've not been overly excited by their previous work because I thought it was a little typical and lacking in energy, but while not blowing me away this is definitely a step up. It's basically what you'd expect from a straightedge hardcore band, based around the old school style with a strong modern influence in the form of a decent amount of ringing notes and octave chord melodies. Most of the songs run around two minutes each and stick with a moderate pace that's not too fast or slow, venturing a little farther in either direction at times, fronted by subtly hoarse yelling vocals. "Looking Back" offers great uses of melody and some faster picking patterns, "The Truth" kicks some killer little arpeggiated riffs that I love, "Perspective" and "The Decline" are a little more energetic, while "The Break" takes that angle into a catchier direction (my favorite track on the disc). I'm fine with the recording. The mix is nice and cohesive with every instrument playing a role, and nothing seems to bother me. The bass tone plods along and has good definition to its tone, the guitars are thick enough to hit hard but still let the melody have some detail, the vocals sound perfect, etc. It could be better, but there's nothing that needs immediate attention at all. Design wise everything revolves around live shots of the band, but it actually looks awesome. The photos are solid, the entire layout is done in black and white with some red lettering and tons of metallic silver ink, it's all cleanly arranged and consistent, etc. The content of course deals with your usual issues for this style of hardcore, such as regret, trying not to live in the past, struggling to get through tough times, friendships, the scene, etc. Aside from some blatant references to straightedge in the opening track and "The Decline", most of that angle is kept pretty subtle elsewhere. I definitely think the lyrics are a bit more involved and sincere than usual here. Short but sweet. This is their best material yet, and they're definitely starting to grow as writers. There's a lot of really promising material here, so if they continue down this path the next one could be crucial. (7/10)
Running time - 23:27, Tracks: 12
[Notable tracks: Looking Back, The Truth, The Decline, The Break]
Bridge Nine Records - http://www.bridge9.com

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