The CD starts off with "Anymore." A melodic punk tune that is full of hooks, but also drives right to the center of punk when it wants too. The drums are basic drums that don't take too much talent, but the bass lights up the sky with it's firecracker power it adds to the song. "Absence" starts out with a rock starting, with the vocals powerful and taking over the whole music. Then it jumps into the punk you'd expect. "Nauseated," "How Long?," and "Mistaken" have the same driving force. Powerful when they want to be, in your face when it has to be, and melodic when it wants to throw your feet into a jumping frenzy. Bouncing around, moshing, and singing along are all signs that your enjoying this band! With "My Struggle," "Because of Me," "Misguided," and "Victim" the drums keep the tempo on track and hammer through your thoughts when they need too, while the bass keeps spitting it's chunky and full lines your way. The guitar screams through the songs, and drops the hooks when it feels the need. The vocals are scratchy at times, scream at times, and very gentle during other moments. All and all, this is a decent CD.

Steadfast has a future. If they keep working and improving, in five years these guys will be a future band that labels like Epitaph will be jumping out of their seats to sign. I'll give this CD a B-. It's a strong release, but there's always room for improvement.

Static X: Machine

Steadman: Loser Friendly

[Issue Two // September-October 1997]