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The Change

The Change (2003)
Fight Fire With Fire

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Contributed by: FortyMinutesWest
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Published on August 17th 2004

Damn, I love melodic hardcore. Every time I find myself feeling cynical or jaded, a band like this comes along and smacks me upside the head. Coming to us from the majestic land of Sweden, The Change offers up a great debut. Fight Fire With Fire, the same label who brought us the awesome Bones Brigade delivers again with this one.

The album kicks off with an intro that sounds like the bizarro version of the intro to Gorilla Biscuits’ classic “Start Today.” That is, instead of sounding enthusiastic, it sounds foreboding. However, that is hardly an indication of the music on this disc. Despite the aforementioned difference in intros, The Change has some things in common with Gorilla Biscuits. These songs are fast, melodic, catchy, and above all else, fun to listen to. In addition to that, the tracks not only beg you to sing along, but stick in your head for a long time as well. This is another standout quality that The Change brings to the table; these songs will stay with you. I can really appreciate this, since I’ve heard so many average, but forgettable songs in the course of reviewing albums. This album also scores points for its sheer energy. They don’t sound like they’re trying to be an old school hardcore band, if this was labeled as a discography of some long lost late 80’s/early 90’s band, it would fool a lot of people.

This is an album that lacks a lot of things, and that’s what I like about it. It doesn’t have tough guy posturing, it doesn’t have out of place breakdowns, and it doesn’t feature over the top production. This band may be a playing an old style of music, but it hardly sounds that way. If you enjoy bands like Time Flies, you’ll probably dig this.

My Favorite Track: Worn Out

Up To You MP3

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Anonymous (August 18, 2004)

I saw Randy Savage too in 94 or 95...

-BSD

FortyMinutesWest (August 18, 2004)

I've seen Randy Savage, and you're no Randy Savage.

Anonymous (August 18, 2004)

Let's wreck, so I can put you in CHECK!

BE A MAN, FORTY.

-BSD

FortyMinutesWest (August 18, 2004)

"I hate early 90's hardcore... But I love Charles Bronson and the Haunted. Should I make this a priority purchase?

-BSD"

I doubt you'll like it.

johnnydanger (August 18, 2004)

great review

Anonymous (August 18, 2004)

Wououaah!! awesome to see this reviewed here. I'm from sweden, seen them 6 times, they're great live, but this cd comes out very rough and not close to their live sound, they're way less meaty and sounds more like minor threat or something live. And about the songs on the cd, i was dissapointed, i only like a handful of these songs on the cd, but live they all sound awesome. I think they're trying to get over to the states so if they do, be sure to check them out. And the lead singer looks like the lead singer from taking back sunday... but anyway, dissapointing cd, awesome live show.

Anonymous (August 18, 2004)

I hate early 90's hardcore... But I love Charles Bronson and the Haunted. Should I make this a priority purchase?

-BSD

dazed (August 17, 2004)

Sounds good, Time Flies were great.

pastepunk (August 17, 2004)

TIME FLIES reference, woo! One of the most important bands to me a bunch of years back. Unfortunately, one of the weirdest memories I have of them was seeing Reach The Sky a couple of years ago and having Ian point out Kurt Powers hanging around the stage with a beer in his hand. Trivial, for sure, but weird nonetheless.

This release is great - too bad Fight Fire with Fire is real tiny and hasn't been able to give it much push...

Anonymous (August 17, 2004)

Xxx

Anonymous (August 17, 2004)

Long Live old school hardcore! Haven't heard this yet but based on this review I'l check these guys out
- Johnnyphdl