Rival Factions (Compact Disc)

Spider-Man is not the only one battling inner demons and the dark side of self this summer; we all are. Project 86 tackles this classic good vs. evil theme on Rival Factions, the band’s sixth full-length release and its most original and enjoyable album to date.

With dark lyrics that tackle sin nature and the struggle to do what’s right, Andrew Schwab & Co. throw a curveball at critics and fans with the addition of keyboards, layered vocals and odd sounds that add a quirky twist to the dark mood. Not to fret, these songs will rock you hard, but with better hooks and more intelligence than ever before.

The album opens fast with “Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)” featuring a classic sounding guitar riff, intense yet melodic rock vocals, and lyrics that get right to the point. “Deep in the recess of every man is a thief, a robber, a criminal/Below the surface of every hero is an envy, a restless evil.” Then before you start to think this is just another Project 86 release, “Put Your Lips to the TV” begins with a piano intro that sounds like it was lifted right off of a ’70s rock ballad. The creativity and surprises don’t stop there, as the band continues to amaze and flirt with new styles on the hooky and ’80s-influenced “Molotov” and the progressive groove of “Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer,” two of the best tracks on the album.

Fans will have a lot to love here, and those who have not been into the band need to give this epic doppelganger a serious listen.

DR. TONY SHORE

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com