The East Coast's answer to the West Coast's glut of harmony-friendly Punk acts, H2O is a New York-based outfit that's remained a model of consistency during their inspired six year run.

A quintet, the band personifies the spirit of Punk Rock, conscious of themselves and their
surroundings, they've been more about a spiritual uplifting from the bowels of despair, concerns addressed often enough by many, but never offering a solution… not that "Go" is the audible cure-all to all of life's ailments but is a refreshing change by way of a strength to endure housed in a meaningful sense of purpose-"Role Model," questions, who, what, and why in a non-trustworthy foray into idol-worship, self-expression and disappointment…

"Self Reliable," similar to the do-it-yourself attitude of the previous, and another what if scenario, what would we do if we had to do it over again-responsibility takes a right turn.

The tunes are expectedly catchy, the pace is usually bordering the legal limits allowed by law with an occasional burst of speed-"Ripe Or Rotting," "Songs Remain," "Repair,"-well placed vocal harmonies and group chorus for extra accentuation with a Sick of it All attitude that aims at finding solutions, not passing blame.

A refreshing attitude to go with an energized sound, surely a bit formulaic in looking upon all the blandness circling the sands at this moment in time, yet there's a certain degree of charm in their philosophy that side-steps the joke with serious intent and excitement in playing-I've never heard this much enthusiasm within the chorus of a song.

I last heard H2O on their "FTTW" or "Faster Than the World" a few years back, liked 'em, lost track and forgot about 'em-just made the jump last year from Epitaph to MCA and don't think they missed a beat.

Surefire production job that's up to par with their past, easy to identify with, groove to, sing along to if you're so inclined, and rest assured you won't risk being heard during these most emphatic of choruses… dull album cover, cool idea, but the contents make up for
it!

Released by MCA Records

Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]
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