Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

Not subtle is a good way for describing this album from the Californian pop punk three-piece. It kicks off at 100mph and sets the scene well: chanted/shouted backing vocals, distorted guitars, manic drumming and occasional drops into bass guitar riffing. The vocal moves it from classic punk to pop punk - think more Sum 41 than Sham 69. It's also got a lot of the surfer/skater punk style to it. Heart Like War are a band who seem to love the energy of punk but not the simplicity: there's even a cello solo at the end of "Bring It On" and acoustic guitar on "Starting Line" to show that they're confident in their creative approach. Given the genre, singing "can't you hear me screaming" rather than screaming it seemed a little odd, but was easier on the ear. On "Faith" they sing about "no compromise" which sums the album up well. "Pluck My Heart" has some interesting arrangements, including a Buzzcocks-like guitar figure in the background. Overall a solid album.

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