Reviewed by Ian Webber

With a significant back catalogue, this 2017 release by Canada's Manafest was his ninth studio album. As with a few of his previous recordings, this is a mixed bag of styles and genres. At times I could hear influences of TFK and P.O.D. with their rapcore stylings and at others there are bursts of pure pop. Opening with the title track we are confronted with a pleasant pop rock anthem that will have you singing along after a couple of listens. Power chords and keys drive this forward with a memorable refrain. Probably the most commercial sounding track is the choppy guitar track "Firestarter" which suits Manafest's rapid fire delivery. I have always appreciated this artist's rockier output and it is the slightly heavier guitar tracks that seem the most successful. On this outing, the likes of the quieter "You're Gonna Rise" expose some slightly weaker melodic vocals and drop the album's energy and tempo. Each track is well produced and the entire recording has an indulgent but crisp feel which means that it would stand up well against genre rivals. There is enough about this recording to keep me interested musically and the 11 tracks means that there is something for everyone. As a radio friendly crowd pleaser the album keeps on giving right up to the dance driven "Won't Give Up" which closes a recording that is worth seeking out.

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