FACE THE PANIC


"The Reclamation" (Reaper Records; 2007)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

I’m convinced that artists who want your attention usually have an intro that causes you to lean in close so you can feel the build up. Concentration is key when trying to get your music heard by more than just your normal audience.

Face The Panic have a brutal sound to them. It’s unstructured and all over the place; the only prearranged parts seem to be the song titles and track times. The rest is made to be felt, and pain would be the main physical suffering if you stepped into this band's mosh pit -- especially if you’re wearing anything by Abercrombie & Fitch.

I love it when bands include their lyrics and there’s no mystique to song lyrics like these. Face the Panic obviously hates the pretentious crowd. They don’t trust anyone and pretty much loathe authority. They pen some definite right hooks; this is bathroom graffiti scratching at its finest. The album cover even shows a raised fist; it reminds me of the Sepultura “Nation” CD. Check it out and see if you don't agree.

The music here is labeled hardcore, punk and thrash ... and yet they have guitar solos, too. So I’m not completely unsure they should add the metal stamp carved into their amps too. The guitar has some wicked galloping rhythms emitting with each song and the drums get beat like a red-headed stepchild. Jay Galvin spews his venomous poems of distaste with such force that you better stay back at least 300 feet. 

“The Reclamation” isn’t just the title of their CD, it’s the statement that Face The Panic are taking back America with hardcore.

Face The Panic: Jay Galvin – vocals; Chris “Sweeper” Murphy and Aaron “Beerwolf” Ratajczak; Ruben Lipkind – bass; Mike “Union” Jeffers – drums.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/facethepanichxc


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


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Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 26 Feb 2024 13:06:29 -0500.