| Name | Artist | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Evil (A Chorus of Resistance) | Project 86 | 3:03 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
2
|
Put Your Lips to the TV | Project 86 | 2:49 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
3
|
The Forces of Radio Have Dropped a Viper Into the Rhythm Section | Project 86 | 2:51 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
4
|
Molotov | Project 86 | 3:12 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
5
|
Slaves to Liberty | Project 86 | 3:02 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
6
|
Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer | Project 86 | 3:56 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
7
|
Illuminate | Project 86 | 2:39 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
8
|
The Sanctuary Hum | Project 86 | 5:01 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
9
|
Caveman Jam | Project 86 | 3:18 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
10
|
Normandy | Project 86 | 5:05 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
11
|
The Kane Mutiny (Bonus Track) | Project 86 | 3:26 | Album Only | View In iTunes |
| Total: 11 Songs |
Album Review
It's obvious from Rival Factions' opening track that Project 86 are dramatically departing from their previous sound. "Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)" may open in their usual metal style, but then swiftly slides into goth rock and then into hardcore. But that's nothing compared to where the band jubilantly jump later in the set. Their old fans are going to need to gulp hard to swallow "Illuminate," a hook-riven, keyboard driven number that sounds to be ripped right out of the Duran Duran songbook, assuming Duran Duran were a punk band with goth pretensions. But the real bombshell is "Molotov," the best song the Mission never wrote nor performed, right down to its swirling atmospheres and irrepressible, unforgettable chorus. For utter contrast there's "Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer," a smoldering number that draws from classic rock and blues, solders it to an anthemic chorus that Dave Gahan wishes he had written, and adds creepy, space-age keyboards on top. The compulsive rhythm and infectious melody will have you grinding along on the dancefloor in no time. A funky bassline and propulsive, off-kilter beats power "Caveman Jam," a song sly enough to appeal to rockers, punks and neo-mods. But P86's old fans need not despair, there's hard rock and metalcore a-plenty to be found within Rival Factions as well, with virtually all the songs tough-edged and muscular enough to sate all but the most fanatical metalhead. What's changed is the album's heavier reliance on keyboards, melodies and hooks, without losing an iota of the band's previous strength and power. Rival Factions may be a step too far for some, but with it P86 have magnificently broadened their horizons, and hopefully their audience as well. Add a new intensity to their lyrics, with several of the songs falling into story-telling dollops of poetic justice, and P86 have created an album the likes of which few have thought them capable.
Customer Reviews
Different, but in a good way.
Albums such as this will always tend to get typical reviews - the group that can't stand a change in a band's sound that give it one star, and those that respect the change and give it high marks. I have been a fan of 86 since the beginning, nearly 10 years ago, and I've seen how 86 has evolved greatly over the years. I've lost count of the number of times I've heard "it's not as good as 'Drawing Black Lines.'" For me, each album has held a different "personality" to it. Each album tends to suit a different listening mood that I'm in.
"Rival Factions" overall is very different from previous releases from 86. It's up to the listener to decide whether they like the change or not. Andrew continues to push his talents further and further on this album. He proves that he has the talent to sing, and not only scream out as most of us have become accustomed to. Lyrically it may not have the same depth as the other albums, but I feel most of that may come across that way simply because it's not as dark as their other albums....but this album is fun. I admit the first time through it I was left scratching my head a bit, but once you let yourself become absorbed into the music you will enjoy it. I never imagined I would be listening to a song from 86 that has a heavy influence from The Cure, but again, Andrew makes it work flawlessly. Some will say that the group has lost their hard-edged sound, but they still show they have it on the first three tracks. Violent Dancer makes you actually want to dance instead of throwing down in the pits. Illuminate showcases the addition of the synths to the album, and proves to be one of the best songs on the album.
Randy continues to lay some terrific solos on the guitar (just wish they were longer!), as does Steven on the bass, and I like the addition of the synths. Andrew stated that in making this album they wanted something that they would enjoy listening to. While fans may not want to hear that, bands that can maintain that perspective will continue to evolve and improve their sound. I've seen way too many bands over the year that pump out the same cookie-cutter album time after time again. All I can say is this for the DBL fanatics out there - we will never get that album again. DBL is a tremendous album, but be happy that we have it. Frankly I don't want 86 to try and remake that sound, and for all those people that continue to say they want another DBL they would be the same people writing reviews saying "they tried to remake DBL but failed terribly."
Do I love every song on "Rival Factions", no. But I've never loved every single song on any of the albums before. It's not to say some songs are bad, but they aren't in my favorites list is all. Sonically RF has once again pushed 86 to their musical limits, and as a fan I'm impressed and pleased with the new album.
86 isn't simply about the music. Andrew's messages have always left a deep impact on his fans. They've always been willing to come out after shows and meet with everybody. I pre-ordered the album, I bought the album at the release party concert, and I'll be buying it again from iTunes in order to get the bonus track. Maybe that makes me nuts, but that's what Team Black is all about. It pains me to think that 86 will never get the recognition they truly deserve, but if that's the price to pay so that they continue to pack small venues and give the fans the ability to talk to them after the show, then that suits me just fine.
Dance Metal Never Sounded So Good...
I love Project 86. I own all of their albums except for their first one. They rock. And roll. All day long. Whenever I bought a Project album, I knew I could expect powerful lyrics, driving bass, and clinically insane guitar. Stephen Dail, Randy Torres, Andrew Schwab, and "until recently" Alex Albert know how to rock. They really evolved with each album. Two days ago, I would have told you that their most recent album "...And the Rest Will Follow" was their best. But I had no idea what was in store. At only 35 minutes, their newest effort is a brisk piece of musical genius. Sure, it's different. They have added a lot more melody to their metal and hardcore punk fused music. It works. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
The lyrics are more poetic now than ever. They go from really saying something "in "Molotov"" to just talking about their fans "in "Caveman Jam"". The first single "Evil "A Chorus of Resistance"" offers up some of the most mature lyrics of the band's career. The vocals are, as always, a highlight of the album. Andrew can really sing. He can really scream. And you can tell he's having fun on this CD. The vocals on this album are their most diverse to date. Hardcore on "The Forces of Radio Have Dropped a Viper Into the Rythym Section" and melodic and eerie on "Normandy."
The music is also very diverse throughout the whole album. They play a much more dramatic and etheral guitar almost as a call back to the song "Chimes" from their album Drawing Black Lines. Torres is an amazing guitar player. He can play something that is incredibly complex and mind numbingly catchy at the same time. His performance is the kind of thing that'll get stuck in your head. I've always loved Stephen Dail's bass. It's not a simple background beat. It's actually meaty, loud, and musically compelling. I listened to this album in my car. The bass was on the normal setting, but my stereo was still pulsing like I was listening to some sort of rap/dance song. Hard-hitting and amazing live.
Their stand-in drummer Gerkin does quite a job of filling some pretty large shoes. Alex Albert was a dream come true for a rock band. He could play any sort of rythym. He could play it well. And he could get a crowd going with a metal beat or a punk beat. Gerkin does well. Listen to the drumming on "Put Your Lips to the TV" or "The Forces of Radio Have Dropped a Viper Into the Rythym Section" and you won't have any doubts.
The songs are catchy and memorable. They are melodic. And still maintain the band's incredible energy. Anyone who's seen this band live knows what I'm talking about, Project 86 is a force to reckon with. They command so much attention. They control the club and can really get a crowd going. And they should really have a good time playing these songs live. They should translate very well into a live performance.
The artwork on the album case is amazing as well. It's very unique and interesting. Depending on the light you look at it, you may see different things. There are pictures under the pictures that you can only see after some careful experimentation with the case itself. They offer hidden messages that are fragments of songs or messages that the band has presented on this album.
Metal fans need to keep an open mind on this one. After a few listens, they may find their foot tapping and their head bobbing despite themselves. It may not be the Project we are all used to, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. They have matured. And the final product is definitely worth the cash.
Don't miss this amazing sixth album by an amazing band. You won't be disappointed.
One last thing: Rest in Peace, Our Dear Friend, Mr. Lizard.
Subject To Change
As a band that has constantly reinvented themselves, Project 86 is a band that has been able to make that seemingly impossible transition from one style to the next. Rival Factions, their six album, is probably the biggest one they’ve made since going from DBL to Truthless Heroes. While some songs have that signature “86 sound” to them, there are a good share on here that don’t (notably “Molotov” and “Normandy”). The most notable difference to their previous material is their use of keyboards, which they utilize on just about all of the songs. Andrew’s vocal experimentation goes further than ever on this record, and he actually pulls it off, yet again. The lyrics, on the whole, do not seem as “dark” or “serious” as they’ve usually been, but they are still on that deep level that Andrew’s always given. While I’m not big on bands turning “catchy”, I will always give this band the credit for never trying to please anyone but themselves, and I think it’s exactly what they did on this album. Project 86 delivers another masterpiece to their epic and diverse portfolio that proves why they're my all-time favorite. DEFINATE BUY.
Biography
Formed: Orange County, CA
Genre: Rock
Years Active: '90s, '00s
Top Albums and Songs by Project 86
| Name | Album | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
The Spy Hunter | Songs to Burn Your Bridges By | 3:37 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
2
|
Evil (A Chorus of Resistance) | Rival Factions | 3:03 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
3
|
Put Your Lips to the TV | Rival Factions | 2:49 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
4
|
My Will Be a Dead Man | And the Rest Will Follow | 4:35 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
5
|
Hollow Again | Truthless Heroes | 4:31 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
- $9.99
- Genres: Pop, Music, Rock, Hard Rock, Christian & Gospel, Christian Rock, Adult Alternative
- Released: Jun 19, 2007
- ℗ (C) 2007 Tooth & Nail Records. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is a violation of applicable laws.
