Rival Schools "Pedals" came out today

And you should go pick it up. or download it. or buy it on your iphone. or steal it from your buddy. Most of you will search the web with the words "megaupload" "Rapidshare" "download" or whatever. But trust me, this one is worth buying. It sounds and feels like the natural next album after "united by fate"

There is a strong, driving beat on the songs. They sound familiar but new. The choruses are catchy without being poppy. If you are a fan of music, there is something for you on here. Instruments are being experimented with. There is electronic sounds, acoustic, a great mix of everything without letting you forget you are listening to a Rival Schools album. When i put this on for my drive today, I could feel the smile spreading across my face.

"United by Fate" was a huge part of my post-high school/college years and continues this day to get a spin about once every month or two. There was just something about it that was different. Whether it was the vocals or the instrumentation or a blending of the two, there is a sound to Rival Schools that is unique. "Pedals" feels like the next logical step from there. There is not drastic style change. No attempt to do something different. You can hear that everyone in the band has improved at their craft and understands what part they play in the band without following a formula. This does not sound like a re-united band that is trying to re-capture the flame they left behind for an easy release or because their other bands were never as popular as Rival Schools was. This sounds like a band that is making music because they love to make music together.

There are plenty of bands that get their original singer back because people do not like them without that person. There are bands that want you to know they have gotten back together by calling the new album a name that plays off the old ones or just says "part 2" These bands might sound good, but they are just copying something that they knew worked once so cash in and do it again. I don't know anyone from Rival Schools personally, but "pedals" does not sound like they are just trying to reclaim the past.

I recommend the bonus version off of itunes if you are looking to pick up PEDALS