Search - Project 86 :: Rival Factions

Project 86's "'Let's sing along and dance' experience"

J. R. Morales | Puerto Rico | 06/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When Andrew Schwab talked to me about the album, he mentioned something very peculiar: "It's much different sound-wise. We never want to make the same album twice, so evolution is a good thing. The instrument sounds are much different and, vocally, it's much more melodic. The energy is less of a 'let's mosh and punch people' and more of a 'let's sing along and dance' experience. Don't get me wrong - we love it when people mosh and punch each other. We just took a bit different approach this time."



Andrew is right. This is definitely different from earlier Project 86 releases. The beats are much more straight-up and there's significantly much more singing on Andrew's part than any of their previous albums. If you're looking for the hard-and-dark Project 86 from "Drawing Black Lines" and "Truthless Heroes", you're likely to be unimpressed by this album.



If we HAVE to compare this release to their previous releases, you can expect to find the Project 86 from the other five albums in the first three tracks - almost as if to make the progression a bit more welcomed - but the rest of the album is a somewhat different Project 86. For example, the instruments are often effected and, personally, this is the first time that I've heard P86 mention "dancing" in an album. On most of the songs, however, yo will definitely find yourself bobbing your head to the addictive rhythms. Lyrically, however, this album is not as deep and as in-your-face as the rest of the albums. The production and quality, though, is unmatched - a fantastic mix and brilliant arrangement.



Overall, this is probably the most mainstream release and radio-friendly album that P86 has produced. I love how they're always trying to reinvent themselves. Don't miss it!



NOTE:

I have to say that the packaging of the album is fantastic! It's completely interactive and incredibly original. If you can, buy the album and refrain from downloading it - it's an experience all by itself!



Enjoy!"

...and the rest will continue to follow....

S. Alix | NYC | 07/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Project 86. Long time listener, long time review writer. To put it bluntly this band has a butt that just won't quit. The band has taken me through a surge of rabid emotions through their long career. They have surprised me, bored me, and come back to win me over time and time again. I enjoyed "..and the rest will follow" but something was missing. It seemed to pale in comparison to the emotionally charged "Songs to burn your bridges by." Rival Factions took me completely by surprise with its electronically charged synth beats. Andrew's blatantly melodic vocal rhythms. Its almost as if this was the record "truthless heroes" aspired to be. A more accessible sound that didn't sacrifice so many of the bands excellent sounds.



The band is comforable with their new found ability to go almost anywhere at this point. You can always count on Andrews deeply meaningful lyrics which range from political, sarcastic, humerous, and allegorical. With every listen this record is villianously infectious. It's guilt free 80s inspired dark synth metal for the masses as only Project 86 can bring it. The perfect record for new fans. Even for a band on their 6th release."

Weird and I like it...

E. J. Zwart | Holland | 06/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was surprised like everyone else (no one saw this coming believe me) when I heard some of the new tracks and the samples. After listening to the cd one time through I discovered how creative, catchy and intense the songs were. It was still Project 86, but totally evolved. Things that you hardly hear in other Project albums such as lots of synth, guitar solo's, alternate vocals (lots of singing but also high pitch screeching which I have never heard Andrew Schwab do, awesome).



Here is my appreciation of the songs individually:



Evil 10/10: The first time I heard this songs I thought I was listening to Queens of the Stone Age, and apart from the synth solo it it is reminiscent of their sound. The groovy rythm and atmosphere of this song are wat make it really good. If you listen to it too much, believe me it will not leave your head. What works really well is that in the chorus you hear two vocals: one singing the melody while the other voice shouts the lyrics.



Put your lips to the TV 8/10: After the deceptive and cheesy piano intro (did I forget to add that there is a lot of humor on this album and it's not only in the lyrics ;-)) the song kicks off with an old-school guitar riff, followed by a more typical Project 86 verse after which the incredibly catchy chorus grabs you by the throat with beautifully desperate sounding vocals from Schwab. To top it off we hear a solo from Randy that sounds pretty basic but works very well in the song as a bridge.



The Forces of Radio have thrown a viper into the rythem section 10/10: This song is awesome lyrically and musically. The things that stand out on this track are the drums, they build up really well to the different parts of the song and Andrews vocals are the best on the album, including aggressive gnarling and snarling in the verse and gut wrenching vocals in the verse.



Molotov 7/10: This song is good although it is not my favorite on the album. The coolest thing about the song is the 'Truthless Heroes-esque' lyrics that criticize modern culture for being all about the party and less about what counts in life. The keyboards play a big role in this song and are always haunting in the background and sometimes on the foreground. The song has a cool ending with Schwab adding extra vocal layers over the melody giving it a very full sound.



Slaves to Liberty 9/10: The lyrics are incredibly positive and kind of remind me crazily enough of 'Lean on Me' but the rock version haha. Again we have a very retro-rock intro riff. I especially like th driving bass on this one. The best way to listen to it is driving on the highway at full speed, you will not be able to stop. Lots of energy and groovy rythm are the signature of this song.



Pull me closer, Violent Dancer 8/10: Think "My Will Be a Dead Man" but then with synthesizers. The vocals are creepy in this song and the synth effect in the chorus sounds like they ripped it off of a classic horror movie. I love the way the synths and guitar blend into a melancholic and dreamy cocktail. The synths are the highlight of this song all around.



Illuminate 6/10: This song is not bad in fact it's really catchy, but it does not possess the intenseness of the other songs. I wouldn't call it a filler but it is the one song that I'm still not incredibly excited over although it does grow on you.



The Sanctuary Hum 9/10: The verse of this song sounds like something that fits well into the Truthless Heroes era, which I really liked. The opening riff actually reminds me of Projects first cd a little. The vocals first sound like what Schwabs voice evolved to on ...And the rest will follow. The verse has Randy and Schwab dueting to a very mellow and dark background. This song is about abuse, church and truth an explosive mixture but then again Project 86 is never afraid of venting thir opinions. Expecially the lyrics in the chorus are very provacative: "God save us, from your chosen ones" It srips in sarcasm and yearning for justice. Beautiful.



Caveman Jam 10/10: When I first heard the name of this song I thought it was a joke, but when i saw it on the actual tracklisting I freaked. Now a little while later it is my favorite song. The fuzzy guitars, the sarcastic lyrics, the high pitched synth building up just before the chorus and erupting into a sonically eery sound, the rythmically hammering vocals in the verse. I'm not a dancer but I can easily see a room go crazy on this vibe and at the same time I could see a rockers rocking out to it, it's that versatile.



Normandy 8/10: This song is again very different from the other songs. The lyrics are some of the best on the album. It is very melodic and not really in your face. It is a cool closer and very fitting for the album.





Verdict:

If you are a closeminded hardcore fan then don;t buy this, but if you like music and are open to innovation you will like this because it is a product of craftmansship. It is a little on the short side but the catchiness and groove of the songs compensate that. The album on the whole has some outstanding songs on it and despite some songs not being perfect the album is because they fit so well together.

This is retro-rock meets hardcore meets synths meets 80s.



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