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I know what you’re thinking.  “Project joined up with T&N again, and slapped some new cover art on, but it’s still basically the same, right?”  Wrong.  Never ones to disappoint, Project 86 offers up more than a simple carbon copy of the album’s first, independent release. 

For one thing, fans of the first release will get a nice little surprise right off the bat.  Some of the tracks have been mildly tweaked for a somewhat clearer, crisper sound, which brings a greater sense of balance, and allows Mr. Schwab’s always awesome vocals to shine through even more than before on certain songs.  This is especially noticeable when you start up “The Spy Hunter,” but quite honestly the work is so well done it all sounds perfectly natural. 

But wait, there’s more.  Literally.  In addition to the tunes on the first release, there are three new tracks dispersed throughout the disc.  The tone of the songs ranges from mildly hopeful (“A Shadow On Me”) to some more of the righteous indignation prevalent in the work (“Breakdown in 3/4”) to a decidedly cool tune with overtly punk influence (“3 Card”).  Three songs may not seem like much, but this trio most definitely makes a more complete album.  They are blended in so well, it’s as if they always should have been there.

For a more subtle change, some of the tracks have been rearranged.  The duo of “The Spy Hunter” and “Oblivion” still lead the way, and we are still left with “A Text Message to the So-Called Emperor” and “Solace” but in between has seen quite the shift.  Newcomers probably won’t care, but fans of the first will likely want to take note of this.  Let’s face it, sometimes you just instinctively go to a track number to hear a favorite song, so please keep this new arrangement in mind when your focus is elsewhere. 

I never thought it would happen, but I’ll admit to being mistaken in giving the first release of Songs to Burn Your Bridges By 5 tocks, but only because this new release is actually even better than the first.  Well, as I said last time: “just when you think they couldn’t possibly get any better, Project 86 is ready and able to prove you happily wrong.”  I hereby stand ecstatically corrected.

Joel Roddin 7/13/04

Over time, some bands tend to trap themselves in dry ruts made of their own boring and lethargic music.  But while these bands slowly sink to their graves, Project 86 is climbing mountains with its new, vivacious hard rock record, Songs to Burn Your Bridges By.

With the help of Tooth and Nail Records, Project 86 has once again included all the ingredients needed to generate a remarkable album: experience, emotion, and excitement.  Songs to Burn Your Bridges By is Project 86’s fourth CD put out in the past eight years and, by the quality of each individual track, it’s obvious the band knows what it’s doing.  Impressive sound quality and tasteful guitar licks are often a {hit-or-miss} deal, and Project 86 definitely hits the ball out of the park with each of these. 

Also, Project 86 doesn’t hide or sugarcoat issues inside its lyrics.  Instead, it takes a brutally honest approach of “this is how it is and this is how it should be,” which is exactly what people need to hear.  I’ve had enough of bands that merely dip their toes into issues but are too afraid to get their hair wet.  As for Project 86, it dives in headfirst, screaming its message loud and clear (well, as clear as distortion allows).  Unlike some hard rock albums where the lyrics seem nonexistent amidst the heavy guitars and drums, Project 86 blends crisp vocals and distorted instruments to provide a well balanced sound.

Songs to Burn Your Bridges By is a CD to get excited about.  It’s quality music with a hard-core style that can make even your grandma want to jump in a mosh pit.  Even if you don’t consider yourself a hard rocker, this record is worth your time and your money--get your hands on it.    
 

Sarah Verno 7/28/04