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As much as I dislike the big "return to rock" bands that have continuously crept up over the past couple of years, there surely are some bands rooted in rock n' roll with enough raw aggression to appease my insatiable hunger for uncompromising music. I don't like The Hives or The Vines; I like The Bronx and, now, A Faith Called Chaos. "Forgive Nothing" will likely be a substantial factor in the creation of my summer soundtrack, as its peppy rock n' roll vibe, hints of catchy hair metal and chaotic outbursts do nothing but draw me in.
The key to A Faith Called Chaos' music is the balance between catchy and driving rock n' roll and more jagged and biting post-hardcore. If the band played one or the other, "Forgive Nothing" would still sound good, but there's enough of an edge and plenty of memorable song writing to elevate A Faith Called Chaos to higher levels. This tendency is apparent in the work of vocalist Jon Logan Allred, who effortlessly alternates between clean singing and high-pitched screaming, as well as guitarists Daniel Hearne and Austin Terrill, who play as many power chords as they do odd arrangements of string plucking.
"Forgive Nothing" really ends on a strong note. All of the songs presented are of a high caliber, but the one-two-three punch of "The Pugilist," "Witless And White Knuckled" and "I Hate This City" is undeniable. "The Pugilist" is set apart by a relatively monster and gang vocal-laden breakdown, while "Witless And White Knuckled" sees the band dig their feet into some upbeat and gritty hardcore. The repeated screams of "I hate this city, hate this city" in the closing "I Hate This City" creates sing-along heaven, and there's an enjoyable guitar solo thrown in for good measure. The title track, with its variation between tense verses and catchy choruses, both accented by gang vocals, is another one of the strongest songs on "Forgive Nothing."
"Forgive Nothing" is certainly a rock n' roll record; the rhythms are generally driving, the guitarists unleash many a thick power chord, and the keyboards (which sound like an organ more often than not) generate a traditional backdrop. There is, however, an undeniable punch to A Faith Called Chaos' music, which pits it a step ahead of its competitors. "Forgive Nothing" ultimately brings a wide grin to my face and, without a doubt, will be playing as I cruise around in my parents car this summer with the windows down and volume up.
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