Search - H2o :: Nothing to Prove

Straight Edge Old Guys Keepin' It Alive

Sparta | The Underground | 05/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Punk veterans H2O come back with their first new album Since 2001's mediocre "Go." Preaching that they have "Nothing To Prove" and that they are "Still Here," the band maintains their tried-and-true formula of hardcore punk mixed in with catchy choruses and a cleaner vocal style.



As is the subject with many of the older hardcore punk bands, H2O's lyrics are generally positive; filled with songs of friends watching each other's backs and never backing down. Unlike much of the garbage "heavy" music scene today, H2O doesn't show angst and anger just for the sake of doing so; the lyrics, while simplistic, as they've always been, are very heartfelt and H2O manages to bring out the best of us through their lyrics and performance, unlike the steadily declining modern hardcore scene, which is filled with makeup-wearing scene kids doing their ridiculous pig squeals and playing their dark, (though fakely) cryptic lyrics.



As for the album itself, it's what you'll expect. People who will buy this album are people who are clearly fans of either H2O, or at the very least this particular genre of music. It's got good, catchy hooks, it's produced just enough to not sound like either early Misfits mixtapes nor like Angels and Airwaves, and the musicianship is very tight, including a nice solo in the song "Unconditional."



In short, yes, this is H2O, yes, it's way better than "Go," yes, they are indeed aging, but no, that does not at all affect this bands fantastic work ethic, positive lyrics and most importantly the necessary angst."

4 stars only because their first is 5 stars

Joshua C. Sloan | DC Area | 05/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I admit to a bias - they're friends of mine over the past....18 years!? But we only see each other every couple of years these days. [Damn rock stars! ;)] Anyways, having grown up with them in the 80's and 90's immersed in DC, Baltimore, Philly, Boston, and NY hardcore, this record measures up. I'm thrilled that they've combined their love of bands like 7 Seconds, Sick of it All, Descendents, Bad Brains, etc into a fresh sound for us old-timers that still like fast, hard, and relevant (let me repeat that, relevant!) music. My kids love them, I love them, and this is why we're still punk rock and spreading the word. Thanks friends.



Okay, a quick overview: 1995 - fast beginning, love it, the message in the slower moshing is meaningful and heart-felt, but not didactic, i.e., it's not just picking up on something done before, it's the right heavy melody at the right time to make the point, musically; nothing to prove - yup, that's what hardcore is supposed to be, it's a great song and kids need to get it, we're here because we want to be and we don't care what others think...right?; sunday - one of my favorites, incredibly catchy (it could easily be a radio song), melodic but meaningful, that's what so many "pop" punk folks forget: you have to have a point; a thin line - same thing as before: a message and a story make a good song (as well as very good instrumentation like here where they combine the harder/softer and slower/faster parts well); unconditional - this is the beginning of my favorite half of the record, it's melodic/meaningful/heartfelt/well-played hardcore with well-written lyrics and interesting instrumentation (maybe this is the radio hit - b.t.w. - making money isn't selling out, if that was the case, no artist would ever survive and no one would ever want to become an artist, now would they?!); still here - easily the best track on the record, it speaks for itself, it's hard, fast, and has a great message, i don't have any analysis except that it stands up to tsol, 7 seconds, ill repute, nofx, and others...geez, what more do you want; fairweather friend - similar to the last but more personal (we've all been there, haven't we?); heart on my sleeve - shows a maturity in song structure and instrumentation with a message that is similar to the personal themes they hit on in all their records; Mitts - wow, i know this song and I love this song..........I'm gonna have to get back to you (i love this song and know all the lyrics.....too bad I didn't follow Toby's X lead and forgot so much!); what happened? - it's sad that they have to keep explaining what hardore is about...maybe if they released albums more often!....anyways - they care and they want everyone to care, no better way to end. Peace. Enjoy."

For those who don't know...

Corey J. Watson | Somewhere, NY | 10/20/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is great. I'll admit that I'm not a huge H2O fan. They're not bad; I'm just not that familiar with them. I started listening with GO!, which was also a great album. I've been back-tracking my way through the H2O catalog. I recently got Thicker Than Water (going backward) and Nothing To Prove (going forward), and they are both great! I like how Nothing To Prove has so many guests from the hardcore and punk world, since I have recently gotten into bands like Madball, too. H2O do an excellent job of promoting good values ranging from family, community, work ethic, and respect. There isn't enough of that in modern music. They aren't preachy, but they are very positive. Check this one out. You won't be sorry."