I don’t think I’ve ever heard a record start with the band tuning up, so for that alone "Unwritten Law" gets points for originality. Kicking off the record with "Harmonic," aptly named for the harmonic plucked notes that take the pulse of the song, one thing is clear, "Unwritten Law" is a unique band. Though their sound borrows heavily from Bad Religion and The Marshes, their hard edged guitar orientated blend of punk is a welcome sound to the scene.

Scott Russo (Vocals), Pat Kim (Bass), Steve Morris (Guitar), Rob Brewer (Guitar) and Wade Youman (Drums) kick up a high energy, fast paced sound with some amazing guitar work, boasting a strong back bone to an already aggressive band. Incorporating rock style solos, and (on "Cailin") DJ type scratching in a punk sound that wreaks of the California flavor, "Unwritten Law" breaks through the boundaries and taboos that tend to keep most punk on the redundant side. This enables the band to show off an originality that's lacking throughout most of the music scene, while still maintaining the balls necessary to keep the respect they deserve.

Most of the music on this disc maintains the focus and power of a drill, with muted power chords and dissonant distorted strummings. The drums pound in and out with versatility, quick changes and hammer like booms. Youman ignores the traditional time keeper status of the typical punk drummer and rides in with fills and hits that keep the songs flowing. The drums take on more of an instrument characteristic then just a simple keeper or the beat quality. Scott Russo commands with vocals that demand attention, effectively using melody, harmony, aggressive screaming, and an attitude that stands out to say "Hey man, I have Something to Say."

"Cialin" comes as almost a shock. With the first four songs harboring all the characteristics of a Bad Religion, "Cialin" floats in almost shoe-gazer pop fashion. Melodic, poppy and almost cute, my initial reaction was that the song is just out of place. As I listened further though, it just testifies to the fact that these guys are just simply unique and full of surprises. Perhaps that is the best quality of "Unwritten Law" - they just refuse to fall into any one category. True, they are punk rock, but at the same time they are a mutation of the genre. "Unwritten Law" allow their own creativity to drive the sound, rather then the institution of punk tradition.

Songs like "Lonesome" and "Holiday" stand out on the record as just well written songs, though I find it hard to find a bad song here. It’s not so much that any one part of this record is weak, actually the whole record is strong, so it’s more like some songs are just stronger. "Underground" is perhaps the strongest song on the disc. I must have played this one over about 5 times. There is almost an Old School Misfit quality on this track. Creeping along, almost sneaking up on a chorus that just forces you to sing along. I expect to see a lot from these guys. This is definitely a band to watch.