When I heard the Causey Way's last record, With Loving and Open Arms, it didn't leave much of an impression on me. It quickly found its way to the "old promos" section of my shelf, where it has since resided. But even if the record itself wasn't wonderful, the Causey Way came off pretty hardcore. So maybe they did bear a striking resemblance to then-labelmate Jello Biafra. And maybe they did come across as little more than just another band with a gimmick. But their cult schtick was executed well enough, and the record was sufficiently badass for my tastes. Of course, if it wasn't sufficiently badass, Alternative Tentacles might not have released it. Then, the Causey Way would have had to find a home with less of a badass reputation like, say, Fueled by Ramen.

Thus, it was with a mix of curiosity and indifference that I set about listening to Testimony for the first time. For the most part, I was expecting a carbon copy of With Loving and Open Arms. Still, I couldn't deny a bit of dread-- stemming from the change of labels-- that the Causey Way had abandoned some of their harder punk tendencies.

At first, no surprises. Distorted guitars, buzzing synthesizers, and-- ah, yes-- that quivering, yelping voice. It's the Causey Way alright. I began to think myself an asshole for making assumptions about a band based on their leaving Alternative Tentacles. After all, there's a good possibility that Testimony was written-- and maybe even recorded-- before the band ever even thought about signing to Fueled by Ramen. Then, just as I began preparing to hang myself by my stereo cable, Testimony's opening track faded from my speakers, replaced by the disturbingly soothing sounds of "Compound Lessons."

Gone were the distorted guitars. Gone were the buzzing synthesizers. Even worse, the voice which I'd come to associate so closely with the Causey Way's music was gone, replaced now by some uninterested guy and female backup singers. To add insult to injury, two lines of creamy, painfully Get Up Kids synth floated around the uninspired vocalists. But just when I thought the record had reached its low point, a blatantly synthesized string section whirled in, providing a segue into the album's awful title track. Another boring female vocalist, and some even more intolerable synth arrangements make "Testimony" about as rocking as oatmeal.

Testimony does make a slight recovery after the midway point, but by then, the damage is already done. After its 19 minutes had passed, I wanted nothing more to do with the EP, or the Causey Way for that matter. But have no fear-- if this is their idea of mind-controlling propaganda, I get the distinct feeling their compound will be out of business within a few weeks.

-Matt LeMay