Review Summary: Project 86 takes up a musical direction for their sixth album, adding a new drummer and synthesizers. The results are decidely mixed on this uneven album.
Project 86 has never been content to make the same album twice, so some change in their sound was to be expected on Rival Factions. However, Rival Factions is a big departure from previous efforts. The major changes included a lineup change; the day drummer Alex Albert was a sad day for Project 86 fans. Replacement Jason Gerkin does an alright job, but is definitely a step down from Alex.
The other significant change is the addition of synthesizers. At first, it seems like the synthesizers would be a great addition; from the moment "Evil" starts playing, the song is undeniably catchy. Unlike some people, I loved "Evil" from the moment I heard it, and the bridge is hauntingly beautiful. If you listen to "Evil", you'll have a hard time getting the synths out of your head. The synthesizers also do a great job on the indescribably amazing "Illuminate." Sadly, the synthesizers are overused and attempt to salvage some pretty boring songs like "Molotov." Maybe it's just because I'm young, but I really don't want to hear an 80's song on a hard rock record...my dormmate plays enough Def Leppard as it is.
The loss of Alex is a definite negative, the addition of synths is a decidedly mixed bag. The aforementioned, "Evil" and "Illuminate" are both gems in the Project 86 library. After these two though, the quality really drops. There isn't a whole lot new where, which is an interesting paradox, seeing how this doesn't sound all that much like their previous work. A large portion of the songs, such as "The Sanctuary Hum", "Caveman Jam" feature very similar vocals and guitar work to their previous efforts...synthesizers and new drums make it a bit different, but it feels like its been done before, and done much better. Listening to a song like "Normandy", I can't stop thinking how "Chimes" from Drawing Black Lines did a much better job of creating an epic song and feel.
Finally, you just have a couple of clunkers. Maybe some people like "Molotov" but I'd venture a lot of listeners don't want a poppy 80's song when they buy Project 86. "Slaves to Liberty" has terribly cheesy lyrics..."But you don't need a story, you need broken legs" for instance, and relies fully on the synths to bail out a boring song.
This could have been a great album. I feel terrible giving it a 2.5 because "Evil" and "Illuminate" are amazing. Certainly get them from iTunes if you skip getting the cd. However, this feels like a rush job, the cd is terribly short, and once you cut the filler, you only have eight songs or so left. After a week, you'll listen to "Evil" and "Illuminate" occasionally and go back to Drawing Black Lines or whatever your favorite cd of theirs is.
