Pedals
Rival Schools · 2011
34 min · 10 tracks · punk rock
A vibrant blend of punk energy and melodic hooks showcases a renewed sense of purpose and direction in Rival Schools' sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wring It Out — This track opens the album with driving guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that set the tone for the record's exploration of personal themes.
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69 Guns — As the lead single, this song encapsulates the band's signature blend of melodic hooks and punk energy, showcasing their growth since their last release.
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Eyes Wide Open — This track balances urgency with reflective lyrics, illustrating the band's ability to merge punk sensibilities with thoughtful songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic punk with melodic elements but lacks strong cohesion in its latter half.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a brisk pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature layered guitar harmonies that create a rich texture, while the vocals often alternate between melodic lines and more aggressive delivery.
- The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable shift in mood, incorporating more introspective lyrics and softer instrumentation, providing a contrast to the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant energy for group settings
- short bursts of melodic hooks
- for road trip playlists
- upbeat tracks for active moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive experiences
- seek slow, reflective sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released after a decade-long hiatus, 'Pedals' marked Rival Schools' return to the music scene following their 2001 debut, 'United by Fate'. The band sought to recapture their original spirit while also evolving their sound amidst lineup changes and the tumultuous landscape of post-hardcore music.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wring It Out 3:28
- 2 69 Guns 3:22
- 3 Eyes Wide Open 3:00
- 4 Choose Your Adventure 3:25
- 5 Racing to Red Lights 4:03
- 6 Shot After Shot 3:14
- 7 A Parts for B Actors 3:38
- 8 Big Waves 2:59
- 9 Small Doses 3:59
- 10 The Ghost Is Out There 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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