Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

There used to be a time when being different was too outlandish for the world to handle. It just wasn't welcome and anyone who fit this label was automatically shunned. But thankfully, we as a people have evolved (somewhat) and so has our acquired taste for life, love and music. This is where the Fairburn Royals come in. They don't just sing rock music, they feel it and they also make you feel it which is something that not even the most commercial bands are able to do. Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference.

Diversity and passion set the Fairburn Royals apart from the competition. This isn't your regular guitar smashing, beat bashing, and drum thrashing rock. It's heartfelt and intriguing. In "Japan" they speak of the trouble-free and appreciative lives the Japanese seem to lead. The scene is set with a cadence like drum march and explodes into a musical frenzy of crazed singing and guitar wailing. An excellent display of raw emotion and simple yet innovative writing. But if you need those neck breaking beats and heart pounding guitar solos that only rock can provide, then you're in luck because these guys can do that too. "The Cheer" and "Be My Punk Rock Friend" takes you into those time-consuming yet vital high school days. The latter of two is a nicely written anthem about trying to make the rock-musically impaired see the light.

Being able to express yourself through your music is definitely one of the things that music is all about. Sharing your personal experiences is never easy but the way you present it is usually what determines whether you sink or drown. But these don't have anything to worry about. They're definitely still afloat and will hopefully stay that way. They have a unique sound and great writing which should help catapult them into the spotlight and claim what is rightfully theirs. They deserve to be heard and once you hear this album you'll never look at music the same way again.