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In the Face of War's We Make Our Own Luck is a pretty solid example of how ambitious otherwise atonal youth crew hardcore can be. Take raspily yelled but comprehensible vocals, a steady aggression, forward-thinking melodies and an unrelenting urgency and you got yourself a lot to like.

We Make Our Own Luck unfortunately does not produce many standout songs, but that's mostly because it's so consistent. It's easy to get behind the album track after track, many of which get splashed with that more reflective type of guitar riff that somehow sounds emotional -- you know, the type Turning Point suddenly decided to employ for their last stylistic change. Actually, the lack of standouts is a bit of a lie; Luck is desperate-sounding enough as it is, but "Here We Are, Here and Now" just mixing up the lead vocals gives it that extra boost. Plus, things always sound frantic when the bass drops out.

More examples of In the Face of War's strive for something a little more creative than what their peers usually come up with appear in songs like "Revival," with some wandering guitar parts actually momentarily reminiscent of bands too experimental to even be labeled hardcore (Since by Man, complimentarily looking your way). "What a Shame" sounds plenty intricate too, even while maintaining a rigorous tempo and attitude.

At least according to Jordan, In the Face of War used to play a more emocore-meets-tech-skatepunk type of punk rock. If that's true, their progression is certainly a bit odd; however, it seems they've retained that type of complexity and dropped it into a genre usually sorely lacking, and it's resulted in quite an impressive little album.

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Revival



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Revive - Beliefs of an Old PastThe Humanoids - Are BornHoly Roman Empire - The Longue DuréeSeasick - Awakenings [10 inch]Kill Your Idols - Something Started HereBridge and Tunnel - Bridge and Tunnel [7 inch]Ruiner - Prepare to Be Let Down108 - A New Beat from a Dead HeartRelics - Demo [7 inch]Various - Our Impact Will Be Felt: A Tribute to Sick of It All



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    Posted by SilentStorms on 2007-01-17 09:22:22
    My Score:

    To add to the dick sucking comments, I only listened to this because of the Since By Man reference, and I really like it. Possible purchase? Mmhmmm.

    Posted by ryanwise on 2007-01-13 14:01:25
    My Score:

    amazing. i was really looking forward to it, and it filled all of my expectations.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 4:48 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    this is one of the best albums i own. definately their best cd so far, i think.

    another kudos for the sincebyman reference :D

    Posted by kokomocellardoor on 2007-01-12 14:18:42
    My Score:

    there is a lot of hardcore/punk/metal/whever else out there. too bad it all becomes a jumbled and blurry mess, sounding the same and frustrating people who want to hear good music. you walk around festivals and go to shows wondering if it is all one big band playing one long song. thank god for a band like IN THE FACE OF WAR that stands out! these guys hail from poe dung, hickville u.s.a. and out rock most!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 12:22 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Kokomo, Indiana wow! thats a sweet name. This is so good!! These guys should be on a bigger.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 11:15 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    This is really good, kudos for the Since by Man comment as well.

    Posted by mcpike on 2007-01-12 10:43:06
    My Score:

    their split with bowels of judas was fucking ace. great band.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 9:20 AM (EST)

    I think you're wrong dude. They're self titled cd and their split with the bowles of judas was definately not straight up hardcore.

    But, this cd is really good.

    Posted by tenwestchaser on 2007-01-12 01:54:44

    emo-core skate punk? Um...these guys have always been straight up hardcore. Regardless of the quality in the production of recordings these guys kick fucking ass live and I would love to see them make it to a label where some serious production can do them some justice. There aren't enough Indiana bands around, keep our state known boys....

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