This is a 4 Song EP from Rival Schools, Walter Schreifels' (former Quicksand frontman) new band on Island Records. Two of the songs will appear on the band's upcoming debut full-length scheduled to hit stores on July 31st.
While this is a debut, in many ways it's not. You mention the name "Walter Schreifels" among fans of indie rock or post hardcore type rock and many eyes will light up. Schreifels is probably most known for his role as frontman for the legendary post hardcore act, Quicksand. And some hardcore purists may remember his tenure in such pioneering bands like Youth Of Today or Gorilla Biscuits. However you remember him, pay close attention to what this seasoned veteran of all things "rock" is doing now!
Rival Schools United By Fate, or Rival Schools for short, are a "post hardcore supergroup" of sorts. Finishing out the line-up is Guitarist Ian Love (ex Burn) on second guitar, Sammy Siegler (ex CIV, ex Gorilla Biscuits) on drums and Cache Tolman (ex Iceburn, ex CIV) on bass.
This four-song sampler showcases the amazing potential of this band. Rival Schools play catchy rock with hooks galore and layered with ear pleasing textures. Each musician more than holds his own. Vocally, Walter is trying new things with his voice and proves to be well advanced as a singer since his days in Quicksand.
The disc opens with the upbeat "Good Things." The listener is greeted with rich full textures and then the rock guitars kick in and before you know it you're tapping your feet, singing along, "Good things are coming our way!" Next the wah-wah fury of "High Acetate" pulls you in closer to an instant love affair with this band. The sampler finishes out with two b-sides, "Get Center," a plodding rocker with soaring guitar theatrics and "Grunge Model," a short instrumental ditty with some really cool guitar parts happening.
If all the songs on Rival Schools' upcoming full length are this good, prepare for one fine record! If you enjoyed Quicksand definitely check these guys out. Although, I probably didn't need to tell you that. Make sure you grab this sampler at a Rival Schools show or pick up the long player when it hits shelves in July.
A+
