I have read other reviews for H2O's F.T.T.W. and although the majority of them were well-written and accurate, I really disagree that H2O is a "New York Hardcore" (NYHC) band. Their previous albums may have been, but F.T.T.W. is hardcore punk. It's true that H2O's lyrics and all that they stand for certainly reflect the spirit of what hardcore is all about, particularly what the thriving NYC hardcore scene is all about, but they have too much of a punk element to be considered just plain "hardcore". A better term would be "melodic hardcore" or "hardcore punk". For instance, one of my favorite tracks on the album "One Life, One chance" seems more like fast-paced aggressive punk, than anything really 'hardcore'. I think if people just label H2O as hardcore, then they would be mistaken into thinking H2O sound like Snapcase or something.
I absolutely wouldn't be able to live without this album, although it took me a while to really get used to. Myself, being more a punk rock fan than a hardcore fan, find some hardcore bands too hard to digest. But H2O was perfect for me because I think it's a great transition album between punk and hardcore. Some punk fans who don't really like hardcore, might be able to listen to this CD and slowly get 'converted' and introduced into some hardcore. This CD basically pleases the masses. Hard enough for the hardcore kinds, but enough punk elements to not scare off a w-u-s-s such as myself. (i had to do it like "w-u-s-s" cuz epinions didnt seem to like that word).
All the songs are over-filled with energy and can get a dying person's adrenaline pumping. The lyrics are also extremely positive and meaningful. such as the song "one life, one chance": "no one said it was gonna be easy, but i'm not afraid to try. and with the odds stacked up against me, I will have to fight, one life one chance, gotta do it right". Or the song "bootstraps": I got your bootstraps, I'll pull you up and won't think twice, And you can take it as advice, we've got to help each other out, Cause this is how we all survive and we're never gonna stay alive Without each other there's no way, no way".
All the lyrics pretty much speak for itself, and the messages within the lyrics are refreshing to hear. Although I must admit, in a couple years or so, I might look back at some of the lyrics and laugh. I am a sucker for positive, kinda role model-ish bands, but sometimes I think the lyrics are a bit much. Maybe it's because H2O are considered gods by their fans, and so their lyrics have been made 'holy', and their fans live by them like the bible. Their lyrics are definitely those to listen to and understand, but I wish that they would take a breather and relax sometimes. (i bet some big fans of H2O will kill me for that one).
Oh yeah, and I must add that the vocals on this CD ain't too shabby for what is considered a hardcore-ish band. Brownie points to Toby for knowing how to sing, and be in a hardcore punk band at the same time.
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