2001 has been a fantastic year for emo. There have been classic new records from Weezer, Saves The Day, New End Original and Jimmy Eat World to name but four. But one of the very best to pop out of nowhere this year is the new offering from emo supergroup Rival Schools.
Featuring the vocals of ex-Quicksand man Walter Schreifels, Rival Schools have produced one of the most poignant and emotastic records of the year. A diverse collection of tunes that blend a number of different influences into one big melting pot, producing an absolute classic.
Opener ‘Travel By Telephone’ sounds a bit like Walter’s former band, but thankfully Rival Schools are Rival Schools. ‘United By fate’ is not the new Quicksand CD, so anybody expecting this will be very disappointed. Slick, well produced and with a distinctive sound, it is a great way to begin. ‘Everything Has Its Point’ starts with an intricate yet catchy riff and is another great song. ‘High Acetate’ is much faster with an effects laden space-age riff kicking things off. Expect the mosh pit to kick off when this is played live.
‘Undercovers On’ is absolutely beautiful. A real tearjearker which everyone should hear. Emo song of the year anyone? ‘Good Things’ sounds familiar, but I can’t quite put a finger on who. Maybe it’s a bit like Radiohead, who I have to admit I was quite partial to in my younger days. There is more than a hint of Jonny Greenwood in the guitar parts, and a tiny element of Thom Yorke’s vocal in Walter’s voice. But it’s defintely harder than anything Radiohead have ever done, don’t get me wrong.
‘Used For Glue’ is the first single, and has been all over MTV2 and alternative radio stations like an infectious disease. Instant and catchy, it’s a foot-tapping classic in the making. If you’ve heard this and like it, you’ll enjoy ‘United By Fate’. ‘World Invitational’ slows things down again, before ‘The Switch’ ups the tempo again. Yet another catchy chorus too.
‘Holding Sand’ is a lot dirtier, with a big deep riff eminating from the guitars. There is also an element of sampling thrown into the mix for good measure. ‘My Echo’ is short and sweet, but it’s still a cool song. Then there’s ‘Favourite Star’ and ‘So Down On’ which both sound really good. Nothing outstanding, but two good, solid rock songs nonetheless. Finale ‘Hooligans For Life’ is two minutes and twenty seconds of feedback, squally guitars and cool riffage. A strange way to end maybe, but its all good.
If you like a lot of the new emo stuff that has been thrown into the mainstream this year, you’ll love this. If you loved Far and Quicksand, then chances are you’ll love this too. Buy it before they get big.
Paul.