Band: Defiance, Ohio
Album: The Fear, The Fear, The Fear
Genre: Folk Punk
Label: No Idea

Tracks:
1. Can’t stop, Won’t Stop
2. The List
3. The Things We Won’t Let Settle, But Let Set
4. The Condition
5. Eureka!
6. Now, Now, Now
7. Anxious and Worrying
8. The Years, The Fears, The Sleep
9. Oh, Cheri
10. Expect The Worst

The idea of folk punk may seem a bit odd to those not familiar with the genre. To the general public punk is thought of as distorted guitars, thick bass lines, pounding drums, and angry lyrics, but that is a very stereotypical view. Folk punk carries the same intensity in both music and lyrics, but replace the chugging electric instruments with more acoustic instruments [though the album does feature electric bass]. A perfect example of this sound is Ohio natives Defiance, Ohio [yes, their name is a real town]. Their latest album [which can be downloaded as shareware on their website or bought through No Idea] The Fear, The Fear, The Fear is a more than solid debut filled with angst and musicianship that pulls you in and never lets go.

The album opens with, “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” a perfect choice for introduction as it starts off hard and strong and just grabs the listener. “The List,” the second track on the album and first truly fleshed out song starts with a light drum roll that builds with more instruments coming in [including violin and cello] before vocalist Geoff Hing comes in like a back alley poet with discussion of a lack of time, finances, and simple determination to accomplish things in life. His voice is simple yet filled with an engaging quality that you don’t find that often in the current musical scene. Outside of the lead vocals, a solid flow to the song and great use of gang vocals make this one a gem for sure. “The Condition,” finds Hing radiates Against Me like vocal work while the music takes lead with trembling violin lines and pulsing drums make it hard for you to discern which to listen to; the vocals or the music [but that’s why we have repeat buttons.].

As the album moves on quite quickly [10 songs in 24min.], the band does slow down for, “Now, Now, Now,” a near Death Cab for Cutie like song that eventually breaks into a more punk influenced sound with the line, “Maybe we need a new savior.” After this tune however, Defiance wastes no time in picking back up with the youthful, “Anxious and worrying,” that is about exactly what the title mentions and even allows the band to make some light bluegrass references. It’s amazing how diverse Defiance, OH is able to be in such a short amount of time. They’re always in your face and calling for unity and recovery, but they throw these simple hints at things like country, bluegrass, Irish punk, that really set them apart in the musical world.

For the last two tracks, “Oh, Cheri,” and, “Expect The Worst,” the band does everything from references early 70’s folk to trying a more laid back sound that you might expect. “Oh, Cheri,” find some female accompaniment on the lead vocals that really adds a classical sense to a song about what you would say to your lover/killer who afterwards committed suicide, at least, that’s what I could gather. Regardless, it’s one the best songs on the album and the ever present gang vocals makes you want to jump right in. “Expect the Worst,” is a bit different in that it is quite slow, especially at the start, and though the band does speed up, they lay the groove back down for a great building closer that has the instantly timeless line, “we’ll try to do a little better than the best we can.” It’s captivating and a perfect final note on a solid album

Though The Fear, The Fear, The Fear is all about…well, fear, Defiance, Ohio have no reason to be scared. They’ve crafted a more than engaging album that should be able to bring a whole new crowd into the world of folk punk. it’s catchy, fast, and filled with sing alongs you’ll want to join in before you even have a clue what’s being said. The album has been out since December, but I’m guessing most of you don’t own it yet, so go buy it! If you don’t have the money to do so currently, you can always download all the band’s music for free via shareware from their website [link below]. Support real artists. Support Defiance, Ohio.

*Written By: James Shotwell*
GRADE: 7.5/10

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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