Rival Schools - “Pedals”
June 13th 2011 03:33
“Pedals” is the long awaited return record for New York band Rival Schools. With a mix of sounds ranging from post hardcore through to indie-lite shoegazer rock, the band have created a flowing record allowing influences to shine through while not subjecting the listener to much wide variation. The songs flow together nicely and the album as a whole is worth the listening from beginning to end.
Comprising of members from influential New York hardcore groups such as Gorilla Biscuits, CIV and Youth Of Today, I was expecting a hardcore album. But, with age, families and the desire to evolve, this record comes across as a solid rock record. The two singles lifted of the record ‘Shot After Shot’ and ‘Wring It Out’ are great examples of where this band is moving to sonically. There are still moments where it gets hard, heavy and dirty, but for most of this record, it is, in comparison, softer and more palatable.
’69 Guns’ is a jangly, summer rock song perfect for a road trip to the beach with it’s catchy hooks. ‘Eyes Wide Open’, one of the best tracks on the album, is a guitar driven indie rock number that I could see being on a movie soundtrack or a theme to sport ad. ‘Big Waves’ reminded me of Stone Temple Pilots circa “Tiny Hearts...”. Overall, this is a cool little record. For fans of The Get Up Kids, Sunny Day Real Estate etc, this is going to be right up your alley. A good sunny afternoon soundtrack.
Comprising of members from influential New York hardcore groups such as Gorilla Biscuits, CIV and Youth Of Today, I was expecting a hardcore album. But, with age, families and the desire to evolve, this record comes across as a solid rock record. The two singles lifted of the record ‘Shot After Shot’ and ‘Wring It Out’ are great examples of where this band is moving to sonically. There are still moments where it gets hard, heavy and dirty, but for most of this record, it is, in comparison, softer and more palatable.
’69 Guns’ is a jangly, summer rock song perfect for a road trip to the beach with it’s catchy hooks. ‘Eyes Wide Open’, one of the best tracks on the album, is a guitar driven indie rock number that I could see being on a movie soundtrack or a theme to sport ad. ‘Big Waves’ reminded me of Stone Temple Pilots circa “Tiny Hearts...”. Overall, this is a cool little record. For fans of The Get Up Kids, Sunny Day Real Estate etc, this is going to be right up your alley. A good sunny afternoon soundtrack.
Rival Schools - Petals
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