CD REVIEW: YOUTH TAX by Rival State

YOUTH TAX by Rival State
(Four Leaf Records)

Rival State from New Plymouth, New Zealand was originally formed in 2002 as a high school rock band and like all stubborn teenagers first out of home the band ended up parting ways in 2007 to experience music from a different perspective. Rival State achieves something most bands wish they could...they just play rock music. There's no effects, no turntables, no keyboards, no choirs in the background, just two guitars, a singer, a bass and drums. Simple. That doesn't make them any less powerful to listen to. The band's six song Ep,  'Youth Tax' is great from beginning to end. No two songs sound the same, and it's obvious this band isn't trying to impress. They just write music that's personal, and hope that it touches people. Featuring a guitar sound that is also reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, these guys are just the right mixture of retro and modern rock! Check out, "Sleep Talker", "Aces", "Four Leaf Clover" and "Scatterbrains". These tracks give you a decent representation of what the rest of the album has in store. There is literally not a track on this album you will want to skip over! 'Youth Tax' has great rock n' roll energy and spirit, and is incredibly fun to listen to. It's a shame more modern rock bands don't take this approach. It seems like having fun isn't allowed anymore in mainstream rock. If you're into retro minded bands like Parlor Mob, Wolfmother, Stone Rider and Priestess, or just the classic bands they take inspiration from, you'll want to give Rival State a try. 'Youth Tax' is a terrific rock n' roll album from a band that should go far. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society