Every once in a while, a band comes along that reminds you why you ever got into hardcore music. Far From Breaking, a five piece outfit from San Antonio, TX, plays upbeat youth-crew revival hardcore similar to Floorpunch, Chain of Strength, and Ten Yard Fight. It is an album filled ot the brim with fast-paced punk influenced hardcore. There is no obnoxious whining on this album, just straight in your face music and lyrics. The Identity, a collection of the band's two 7" and one bonus track, is fueled by anthems of straightedge, the scene, friendships, and keeping a positive frame of mind belted out by vocalist Jason Tarpey.
The music finds its ancestry in punk-hardcore acts like Sick of it All. The majority of today's modern hardcore bands rely on the big breakdown, which can distract the listener from the purpose of the songs. Far From Breaking instead allows the music to take a backseat to the inspirational lyrics. However, this doesn't mean that the music is second-rate at all. The musicianship is excellent - especially that of band bassist Darrell, while the remaining members of the band provide a unique mix of songs that differ enough not to bore the listener. But at times the songs do seem a little repetitive and begin to run together, and that is the only real downfall of this album.
Far From Breaking, have recently called it quits, and The Identity should act as the last will and testament for the followers of true hardcore music. So if you still hold true to the origins of fast-paced hardcore punk, this album is for you. And if you close your eyes as you listen, you can see the X'd up hands in the air and the pile-ons for the gang-vocals.
