This is THE record that made me want to be involved with Punk and Hardcore. From the speed of the songs, the sound of the guitars and the ferocity of the lyrics, It was what I had been searching for. A defining moment, if you will. I can honestly say that I would be doing something completely different had I not heard it. Sure I had been listening to all the Fatwreck bands for quite some time but they never really grabbed a hold of me like this, it opened up a whole new world of music to me that I am so thankful for. The first 3 tracks are for me, quite possibly some of the best opening tracks on any record I own. I still get a chill up my spine when I hear that first pick scrape on 'Keeping out of direct sunlight'. Aggressive and unrelenting, there is a very noticeable change in lyrical content from that of 'Very proud of ya'. This was the beginning of their evolution from snotty Californian punk band that covered Minor threat, Dag Nasty and NA to the Dark and brooding hardcore anthems on Black Sails/All Hallows, Which are also 2 of my favourite records. After the 2006 DU tour here I almost gave up on them, But After seeing Dave cover SxE revenge with Ceremony(2009) and hearing Crash Love, they are as relevant as ever.
Check this Video of them playing 'Coin Return' from SYMAOYE at a club show in San Fran a few weeks back. I would have killed to be at this.
