Rival Schools
United by Fate
- Island Records
Release Date: September 2001
While many acts of this ilk have, of late, tried to shy away from the harder
drums and churning bass, with a resume that reads like a rock and hardcore
history textbook, Rival Schools can't help but embrace the power of the
rhythm section. Each member of Rival Schools brings a serious hard rock
genealogy to the table. Quicksand, CIV, Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, Shelter,
Youth of Today, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, from the outset of
"United By Fate," it seems that they may have mellowed with age.
The poppier moments abound, the rhythm section is downplayed, and RS tend to
tread the emo ground so many others do. Luckily as the debut continues, the
quartet visits the heavier side of things enough to deliver the sharpened
and hard, yet tuneful, moments expected from their past exploits. So,
inevitably, as go the drums and bass, so goes "United by Fate."
On tracks where the propulsive power of the bassline is diluted and more pop leanings
arise, on "Everything Has its Point" and "Undercovers On," the sound is
rather uneventful, neither moving, nor offensive. But when the bass leads
on "Used for Glue" or "The Switch" the tracks tend to surge and bring a
sense of urgency that most rock fans crave and miss so much.
All in all, "United by Fate" is a satisfying, yet never groundbreaking debut.
Hopefully, in the future, the storied members of Rival Schools will take
notice of their strengths, and the heaviest moments will run amok. Long
live rock!
--Miguel Banuelos
banuelos@outersound.com
