Shortly after the release of their first 7", H20 found themselves recording a demo for a very interested Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph Records. Mr. Brett apparently thought the band was trying too hard to imitate his label's "sound" and promptly withdrew his offer to put out the band's first LP. Instead, H20's self-titled debut came out on Blackout Records; despite the smaller distribution, the album quickly launched them as the up- and- coming East Coast Hardcore band. Now that the band has proven to be commercially safe, Gurewitz has given them a second chance. The result? An impressive effort that should appease both old and new schoolers alike, but one that seems to be lacking some of the "knock the wind out of you" punch featured so prominently on their last effort.

Songs like "Universal Language" and "This Time" prove this band refuses to compromise its intensity for the sake of their label's trends. "Sacred Heart" testifies to the band's progress as both musicians and songwriters, while "Everready" and the album's title track carry on the sing- along choruses fans fondly expect. Less inspiring moments include "A+," with a melody line taken directly from The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry," and an embarrassing recreation of "The Mask You Wear," originally recorded for their Epitaph demo. (Just because it's a hidden track doesn't mean it should suck, guys!) These few flaws, however, appear only after careful inspection. If you like intensity with intonation, H20 will quench your thirst. (You didn't expect me to avoid the pun, did you?)

-Kevin Rugerri