Face To Face: No Way Out But Through [Album Review]

Face To Face
No Way Out But Through
Fat Wreck Chords [2021]

Celebrating 30 years as a band is an accomplishment considering all the things that need to go right! For Southern California punks, Face To Face, that journey has not been without hurdles as they had a four year hiatus back in ’04 and founding member Trever Keith has seen some members come and go but bassist Scott Shiflett has been in the band since ‘95.

Face To Face has always been able to quickly hook you with a catchy chorus and on No Way Out But Through the band once again will grab your ear. The group brings the same urgency and muscle that they did on their 90’s records while still connecting with relatable experiences in Keith’s lyrics. That gives No Way But Through a timeless punk rock vibe that should make longtime fans happy while also impressing the younger generation that may be hearing a punk album for the first time. The title track along with “Blanked Out” feature a nice harmonizing up and down octave singalong “Oh-Oh-Oh” while other songs like “Long Way Down” feature some veteran speed guitar and drums while Keith belts out the lyrics at the same mph.

If you have been with Face To Face for the last 30 years, I think the new album will cover the best pieces of what they do great and what fans expect. It highlights and thrives with its catchy hooks, excellent musicianship and comprehendible lyrics. This record is exactly why I have always been drawn to this genre as these West Coast punk rockers still have plenty to say, full of muscular riffs and leave it all at the door when the album concludes. Face To Face completely show why they are still relevant on No Way Out But Through and continue to fly the punk flag in 2021!

Key Tracks: “No Way Out But Through” / “Blanked Out” / “Long Way Down”

Artists With Similar Fire: Bad Religion / Lagwagon / Strung Out

Face To Face Review History: Hold Fast (Acoustic Sessions) (2018)

Face to Face Website
Face to Face Facebook
Fat Wreck Chords

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Christopher Anthony

Christopher Anthony, a passionate supporter of new music, managed a record store and produced alternative video shows in the '90s. Transitioning into the 2000s, he became a prolific music blogger, chronicling the scene with a positive view. His mission: to discover the latest indie releases and share them with you!

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