Reviewed by Alex Figgis

Since forming in '96, TFU have released an EP and one full length recording for Solid State of more straight ahead hardcore. With their latest project, however, the band reveal a more eclectic side to their nature, blending the harsh tones of hardcore with more techno beats and left field arrangements. To best explain this side of TFU, think 'Achtung Baby' era U2 melded with an experimental progressive edge to the music, combining the intensity of such contemporaries as Living Sacrifice, early Embodiment and Metallica, and you have a vague idea of the band's musical vision. TFU's new direction conies to the fore in such compositions as "White Boy's Burden", the bombastic groove orientated "New York City Is Overrated" and a re-working of "Dead Signal" with its experimental industrial arrangement. Standout songs include the aforementioned "New York...", and "State Of Self; depicting the irony of life and the devaluation of human endeavour. Produced by Eric Stenman, TFU's latest project allows the band's maturity to be showcased, displaying a high level of musicianship throughout. The songs themselves, whilst far from immediate appeal, are of such calibre that with repeated listening they come into their own. Despite the apparent despair of such exclamations as "Papa's gonna tear you down" ("The State Of Wyoming Is Worthless"), "Soul vomit cycle/Second time: tenfold..." ("Tennessee Midget") and "Consider this goodbye/This is the end." ("Seeing-eye Fruit Bat"), TFU are unafraid of revealing the state of humanity before a Holy God in such a way as to bring out the need we all have of reconciliation through faith in Christ. Unlike anything I've ever heard, TFU's latest project certainly lives up to its title.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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