Stand & Fight "s/t" CD
[Bridge Nine]
As if the fact that this straightedge band features members that have been involved with Ten Yard Fight, Carry On, No Reply, and Collision wasn't enough to make them instantly popular, the fact that their music is in your face old school styled hardcore with tons of speed and damn near no songs that top two minutes ought to work just as well. Is it original? Nope. But then again are any of these types of bands all that original anymore? Hell no, and as long as the songs are good I couldn't care less! I was never that into Ten Yard Fight, and this stuff's not as good as Carry On, but it's still got a lot of energy, and I like their forthright approach. You get six new cuts and then the six songs from the band's 2002 demo (back when they were called Impact). A couple of songs like "Break the Mold" hit on a slight hint of melody, but there are plenty of total ragers as well - take the 40 seconds of "Excuses", for example. The recording's not bad. I think the drums sound sort of clunky on the six new tracks, but everything else sounds fine by me. You can hear the bass really well, the gang vocals are huge, etc. The 2002 demo sounds ever so slightly rougher, with barely less of a bass presence and more of a bite to the guitars, but it's still fine. The CD comes in a nice digipack with some black and white live photos and minimal colors. Despite being a blatant straightedge band, the lyrics aren't that overt. There are numerous instances that definitely hint at the whole straightedge angle, but it's not completely over the top. They are pretty pissed though, so it's good stuff. "I won't pull any punches when we get in the ring, Put my back to the wall and you'll see what that brings, You'll get no apologies on my part, man, I've been as clear as I can about where I fucking stand." Fans of these guys' other efforts shouldn't be let down by this, especially if you were into Ten Yard Fight. It's not the most exciting record I've heard lately in this vein, but it's definitely solid. (7/10)
Running time - 18:00, Tracks: 12
[Notable tracks: My Right, Break the Mold, Excuses, My Mistake]
Bridge Nine Records - http://www.bridge9.com

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