Album Review: Face to Face “Protection”
Just the other day, Fat Wreck Chords released Face to Face’s latest album, Protection (03.04.2016). The album celebrates the band’s 25th anniversary and their return to the iconic punk label. It’s the band’s ninth studio album and I was eager to check it out.
Track List:
Bent but Not Broken
I Won’t Say I’m Sorry
Double Crossed
See If I Care
Say What You Want
Protection
Fourteen Fifty-Nine
It Almost All Went Wrong
Keep Your Chin Up
Middling Around
And so It Goes
I have never disliked Face to Face, but I was never a die hard fan, either. They were a band that I enjoyed seeing live, would listen to if it popped on my iPod but I never necessarily sought them out. I actually enjoy reviewing albums of bands like this because I go in with no expectations, no pressure, nothing except open ears and wondering whether I’ll like it, love it, or think it’s mediocre. I have to admit my first impression of the album was great. As soon as I got through the first few tracks, I found myself stoked that this band, who beforehand held no special place in my music library really, made a great record.
If this band is anything, they’re reliable. They have an always-recognizable sound and you pretty much know what you’re going to get. They don’t put on a bad show so I’m not shocked that they put out a not bad album! It’s nothing that’s like… flooring me (i.e. Lagwagon’s 2o14 Hang), but it’s also keeping me listening more than just one time around.
My favorite track on the album is definitely Fourteen Fifty-Nine. Something catchy but dark about this song with the ear-snagging not-so-loving lyrics all throughout the track. I’m not saying I love mean shit, but for some reason this track really stuck out to me. I listened through the album multiple times the first time I gave it a go, and I always seemed to double check the song name when this one came on to make sure I knew what it was to mark it as my favorite!
My only complaint about the album is there are times the vocals seem lack-luster or just lacking emotion, you could say. But really, not every lyric has to be belted out with everything they’ve got, it just sometimes seems monotonous or lacking strong feeling. However, I still say this is a great album from start to finish. There aren’t any songs I hate, and even on some albums I absolutely, there are tracks I always have to skip (does anyone actually like that Dwarves song Salt Lake City????). This album doesn’t really fall in that category at least, so that’s a great thing.
Protection is available now via Fat Wreck Chords, and I do recommend picking up a copy whether you’re a die-hard F2F fan or just a mediocre one! 😀
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About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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