With a chilling spoken word prologue by Dirt, the second Rock For Life compilation, No Exceptions, kicks off with some of the top bands in hard music both indie and signed. Some tracks were recorded live at Tom Fest (or just live), like NIV's harsh and raw "Pro-Kill," while others, like the less-than-appealing "Forgiveness," by The Israelites sound like studio quality. I really liked the low `n' fuzzy bass in Pep Squad's "Baby Doll," but didn't know quite what to think about 5 O'Clock People's "Lunar," with its indie rock vibe, but Jar-like vocals. Left Out's stinkin' heavy "My God" was a contrast, and sounds a bit like old Starflyer, that is, until high gear is selected and the gritty punk vocals explode. The guitars in Dogwood's "In the Line of Fire" could have used a tuning, and production could've been better, but having been recorded live, the vibe was certainly there and rawness was expected. Speaking of rawness, Crashdog makes an appearance here with the gritty old-school melodic Brit punk of "Through." My favorite Wendy Bailey song, "Even If," from her indie CD, made it on here, and for the record, simply rocks. Comunalien's "Silent Scream 2 (I Still Love You)" is some semi-industrial with some continual rap that almost sounds like Mikee Bridges. Dan Numbers is worth mentioning, simply because the track performed is done with nothing but an Australian dijridoo, which, I can't imagine holding much appeal for any listener. For the most part, the comp is a good follow-up and a good opportunity to help out a worthy cause, and hear some cool bands to boot!
