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I'm not sure what RSY stands for. But I am positive that you need to be looking out for these guys.  Post-punk, emo-pop, whatever you want to call their style, however you label it; this EP is great. It had me looking forward to a full length album, and hoping that a big label will hit these guys up.

RSY takes a "Christians in a band" approach to what they do, rather than being a "Christian band."  Having done shows with Dogwood, Logos, and Skratchline has given them a Christian following in the Southern California area as well as a secular fan base.

What do they sound like? The best band to compare them to is like a early version of The Burning Airlines, or a current version of Ultramagg. Using dissonance, distortion, pop melodies, and on-key singing they show what punk should eventually evolve into. The melodies are enjoyable and are consistent throughout the album. These guys seem to have a soft spot and are one of many bands that aren't afraid of singing about it (with many thanks to The Get Up Kids, and The Promise Ring for starting it back up again). If pop is all the rage, it might as well be punked up a bit, and that's where RSY takes it.
 
There's only five tracks on the album, and one (an instrumental) could have been dropped. It's too formulaic, with the sad emo build up and the bass and guitar switching places in the spotlight. (Think of Sharks Keep Moving mixed with Roadside Monument on the instrumental tip.) It's not horrible, but the other songs are too good to be paired up with that track.
 
The only thing that keeps this from getting a higher rating is the production quality. It sounds like it was done in Lou Barlow's closet, but it doesn't ruin the album.

So, check these guys out if you¹re in the mood for melody, rock, and soul. You won't regret it. There is no guarantee that the production quality won¹t bring you down a little, but the sound shines through regardless.

Justin W. Jones 11/11/2000

For Ordering info:

RSY
3431 Stockman St. 
National City, CA, 91950
(619) 469-4250   
xrsyx@hotmail.com