Hardcore isn't exactly my style. Never has been. But I've noticed as I've aged, my musical tastes have changed. In some cases, drastically. I have found myself playing music I probably swore to myself years ago I'd never let penetrate my ear canal. But I have. Project 86 is a band I never thought I'd find myself playing in my car.

Drawing Black Lines, the band's second release on BEC Recordings, and first release on mainstream label, Atlantic, sends the young band into the limelight and even onto select movie soundtracks. Although a vile film, P86's song "P.S." can be heard in the movie Blair Witch 2 and also on the film's soundtrack. The expressive screams and shouts carried along by delicious crunchy guitars creates a feel that's so good, non-hardcore fans will find themselves sudden hardcore fans.

The album begins with "Stein's Theme" which perfectly sets the tone for what you will hear on the rest of the album. Andrew Schwab's vocals are strong and emotional and never seem cheesey nor obnoxious. The slamming rock continues into "One-Armed Man (Play On)" where harmonizing vocals suprisingly accompany Schwab's screams in the chorus. "Me Against Me" follows with another hard rock song that gets a little redundant after awhile, but all is good when the amazing yet creepy "P.S." steps up. Haunting vocals flow through the song with Schwab's coarse voice filling in here and there. In the middle of the song, a haunting riff plays as a woman speaks Japanese softly. The finale of the song includes interesting and unique sounds that create the perfect odd ending. One of the best tracks on the album, however, is "Chapter 2," a uniquely arranged tune with enough emotion and angst to boot.

I was highly impressed with this album. If you're in need for a good slamming record without the tinge of pop or a hardcore record that doesn't sound like it was recorded on Fisher Price equipment, spin Project 86's Drawing Black Lines.

- Review date: 11/6/00, written by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com