H2O "Nothing to Prove"

All it took was two listens to "What Happened?" and I was sold on H2O's comeback record, Nothing to Prove. After a maligned attempt at some mainstream exposure in 2001's Go (man, that was a long time ago), this long-running New York hardcore act has simply reverted to what they do best: fast-paced, upbeat hardcore punk and chunky NYHC. As familiar and tried-and-true as Nothing to Prove is, it's got such a sincere sound and delivery that I have, for all practical purposes, fallen for in a matter of days.

I love the fast, melodic chord progressions and quaint guitar leads. I can't help but get wrapped up in the brisk drumming. The gang vocals and guest spots (Roger Miret, Lou Koller) fall right into place. And singer Toby Morse contributes an expectedly great performance, shifting gears between throaty shouts and melodic singing to bring his words to life. He touches on a variety of topics, from the evolution of the hardcore scene to straight edge to his family to society's skewed, judgmental perspective of him, and brings to it all a personal flair that's more personable than poetic. That's what I love about the entire record; it's just real, not to mention tastefully catchy, concise and meaningful.

Nothing to Prove is the kind of album that excites my senses; the kind of music that incites in me some need to write and spread the word. These days, those records are truly few and far between.

"For those who don't know... H2O GO!": H2O - 1995

You can pick the album up from the RevHQ.