Reviews:

If you can get over the over-the-top straight edge lyrics (I'm sure these guys have!!) and the fact that lyrics for one of the songs was lifted from a Hallmark greeting card, this is one of the best albums of the second wave of sXe hardcore. Although I hesitate to use the word "tasteful" in describing a youth crew album, UC are certainly a bit more refined than their East Coast counterparts. That is to say, I don't feel like a jock for listening to this band.
Although this band would be unfortunately derailed by a later-DYS style cock metal album (only two years later!), the music here is best described as DAG NASTY meets YOUTH OF TODAY. The lyrics aren't as good as the former (in fact, they are kind of distracting), and the breakdowns aren't as effective as the latter, but they are tough and melodic at the same time and that is something most bands can't do. Most of the songs are catchy and there are a few stand-outs ("Scream to Say," "Don't Quit").
To prove (as if the stupid band name and cock metal didn't?) that these guys succeeded in making a good record almost *despite themselves,* the last song is a really creepy emo spoken word track that would have fit in better on Sesame Street...if you want someone to leave you alone, just put this on a mix tape! In any case, this record is a keeper, and a big shark in the very shallow pool of good California youth crew.
-BEN PARKER