Their punk rock roots still shine through on Tides of Tomorrow, combustible rock outbursts wrapped around melodic hooks. And though this is well produced, this is not your run-of-the-mill, generic, cookie cutter rock. Cave-In rises above that, using their D.I.Y. history to fuel the melodic, but anything-but-commercial sounding rock, sure to drive indie kids crazy, but make little to no impact at radio.

The mid-tempo, heavy, melodic tracks float in the air, making you feel as if you were just hit by a large, blunt object, your movement impaired and your mind zoned into the sounds. Whereas the louder, faster songs just blaze forward, requesting a response as you move around to give it what it wants.

Cave-In's maturity and songwriting growth is eloquently displayed here. From the lighter title track to the "The Callus", they remember where they've been while forging ahead. I'll give it a B.

Caustic Resin: Keep on Truckin

Cave-Ins, The: Gridfarce By Lamplight

[Issue Fifty-Three // October 2002]