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I've always had an appreciation for the distinctive, california melodic hardcore style evident in bands like Pennywise, 1208, 98 Mute, and Deviates, even if their style and execution tends to sound the same to a casual listener.

I'd seen Deviates play at least four times before i picked up their first release which i hear is out of print now. They played at the Ventura Theatre a lot, and after takin a liking to their live performance (brian, the singer, makes this band), i bought My Life... and this record has since become one of my favorites. Brian is a very articulate and clever writer, and his melodies are fun to shout along with. Favorites of mine are "I Remember", "She was There for Me", "Land of Opportunities", and "One Day". There's nothing flashy about this band; the chord progressions are not very original, but the combination of vocals and instruments makes for a style all their own. The album has a grittiness and intensity that was lacking in their sophomore release Time is the Distance. Brian's lyrics encompass social commentary, personal politics, and observations of daily life. The album is very well done for the style they play. If you can't buy it anymore, download for sure.



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Descendents - Milo Goes To CollegeAvail - 4 AM FridayMillencolin - Pennybridge PioneersRefused - The Shape of Punk to ComeEvery Time I Die - Hot Damn!Weezer - PinkertonBad Religion - No ControlWeezer - The Blue AlbumGreen Day - DookiePropagandhi - Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes



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    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 28, 2005 at 3:14 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    this album is the shit!! fast old deviates are amazing!! if you find this album buy it!!-NIKE

    Posted by UnunitedSA on 2003-10-29 22:13:05
    My Score:

    Why does everyone yell and call eachother names? This is all about Punk Rock. Isn't it about freedom of choice, respect for one another? All this trash talking gets everyone nowhere. Grow up. It's music. People have their own opinions on music. Let it be. Peace.

    Posted by UnunitedSA on 2003-10-29 22:08:13
    My Score:

    Awesome band. That's it. Both their albums are incredible albums. I love Theologian Records, you should really check out Cigar, Cheater, Homemade, and some other great bands on Theologian. Fletcher from Pennywise owns Theologian Records, I think. All the better. Peace.

    Posted by waste_elite on 2002-09-26 23:53:08
    My Score:

    "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT BRO"

    typical PW fan. sorry, couldn't resist.

    i don't hate the band. "bro hymn" (especially the live verison) chokes me up. seriously.

    Posted by travis on 2002-09-26 20:09:14
    My Score:

    to the person who called this epitaph bullshit... it wasnt released on epitaph.

    if you dont like this band right now, see them live and you will forever be converted. i saw them live before hearing any of their cds. now this is the only band of the "pennywise genre" that i still like.

    Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2002-09-25 15:37:35
    My Score:

    HEY BRO!!! I HATE TO TELL YOU, BUT NOT EVERYONE LOVES IT!

    the production sounds like thier trying to recreate the first Minor Threat 7", which worked for minor threat, but not for pennywise... and the lyrics suck too. nothing relatable.

    i think i'm gonna write a review for it now

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 2:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Wait, your all capslock speaking style has convinced me that land of the free is the best album ever

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 2:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    ah, pennywise. 30 albums, 1 song.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 23, 2002 at 9:22 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "land of the free? Sucked.. "
    what the fuck are you talking about bro, pw's new cd is fucking sick. It's got "my god" "fuck authority" "land of the free? " it's got some bad ass shit. Excellent pw album bitch nuts! what do you want more pop?

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 23, 2002 at 7:21 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    an average record from an average band in an average genre

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 8:37 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    pennywise are the most overrated punk band of all time. at least the deviates have energy.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 3:23 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Average, very average. Thats sums up the "punk" bands that sound like this. PENNYWISE, is the best of this breed. even though PW sounds a lot different and better. Mainly due to Jims voice, listen to "Unknown Road"- that stuff is nothing like this.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 12:09 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Epitaph bullshit
    this sucks

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 9:41 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    no wonder PENNYWISE likes these guys. They're the same exact thing

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 6:37 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    lets see how many people mention PENNYWISE in these reply things..

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 5:46 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Good band, they don't sound much like PW except for the propulsive pace, Jims voice is thankfully very distinct so not really anyone sounds like PW vocals-wise atleast. Deviates are good, if very regular, run of the mill, punk rock. Some of their stuff is original, but nothing that makes me go "WOW".

    Posted by punky on 2002-09-20 23:10:19
    My Score:

    i'd go for some pennywise clone over some emo band anytime...deviates ain't that bad.One day and there for me are the best songs from this release.

    Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2002-09-20 16:24:58
    My Score:

    havent heard this record, but i saw em open for pennywise, and a few months later got Time Is The Distance, and havce been a casual fan... a little bit too much like Penywise at times, but thats not a bad thing, since PW are one of the best bands around (not really though, because land of the free sucks)

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