My first exposure to Project 86 was back when the album Drawing Black Lines was out.  I saw them live in 01 with Living Sacrifice and was amazed by their performance even though I truly had no clue what they were saying the majority of the show.  I bought the album at that show and have been a huge fan ever since.

For anyone who has been following P86 you know that lyrics of front man Andrew Schwab are intricate and at times seem to be esoteric. Whenever I pick up a new album by P86 I wish that I could sit down with Andrew and have him explain every song to me.  We are not friends, so this remains a dream of mine.

Rival Factions is fast becoming my newly loved obsession. The album opens up with “Evil (A Chorus Of Resistance).”  It is rhythmically crisp & powerful.  A song that you can’t help but rock out to!  Followed by the guitar driven song “Put Your Lips To The T.V.”

The “anthem” songs of the album are “Slaves To Liberty” which has a definite sing along chorus “call on me… we’re slaves to liberty” Then there is “The Sanctuary Hum”.  It’s no surprise to me that P86 is writing a song that is particularly aimed at the church. “This is the reason the sanctuary hums, God save us, God save us from your chosen ones.”  Most bands, especially being marketed as a Christian band, would stray from singing a song that is aimed at their very market, but P86 isn’t afraid to stand up against the corruption of those who claim to follow Christ.  P86 is saying there will be healing when the dark secrets are revealed.

The song “Illuminate” and “Caveman Jam” are defiantly 80’s synth inspired.  “Caveman Jam” is a completely unique storytelling track.  The concept of the song is a story about people who come to the shows and don’t understand why P86 can’t just be a little calmer. Even with the words “Yo” and “Dude” this track is undeniably rad.

Rival Factions ends with the song “Normandy”, which is a one of the calmest songs on the album.  Andrew’s voice is dark on this track.  It sounds like a cross between Billy Idol / Marilyn Manson.  The lyrics are a story of a car crash, but like I said before, Andrew’s lyrics are never what they seem.  I did my research and discovered this song is about the warfare we have amongst ourselves, time on this earth is short and we should spend it in unity.

I need to give major props for their album art.  Think of the game Outburst, which the cards seem to be blank until put into the sleeve where magically the words appear.  Well that is very similar to their album art.  There are pictures and words you do not see clearly until placed under the CD jewel cover.  I encourage anyone purchasing this album to say no to iTUNES and pick it up at your local record store.

Rival Factions is defiantly not an album for those who are looking for a “pop” sound or lyrics that are dismal.  If you are looking for an album that will challenge you both mentally & spiritually than lucky for you this review is over and you can now go get Rival Factions!!!!

My Top 5 Recommended Tracks
“Normandy”
“Evil (A Chorus Of Resistance”
“Molotov”
“Slaves To Liberty”
“Pull Me Closer Violent Dance”

Band Sites:
myspace.com/project86
project86.com

Buy/Preview Album

Review By Tausha.