With Ignorance is Bliss, face to face unshackled themselves from the conventional three-chord structure of most punk bands and created a record which surprised their fans. The fans who understood artistic direction were pleasantly taken aback and appreciated the record, while those who were looking for another release of energized punk were somewhat left out in the cold, resulting in its somewhat mixed reviews.

With Reactionary, though, the band continues with their songwriting evidenced in Ignorance to return with a faster tempo. With songs like "Out of Focus" and "Icons", the typical punk rocker will be hard pressed to say that there aren't any fast songs on this record, and those fans that appreciate introspective lyrics will delight in "Best Defense" and "Hollow". Trever Keith's and Chad Yaro's guitars attack the notes and blend them in those uncanny, catchy f2f arrangements. Scott Shiflett's bass playing sounds round and full, and Pete Parada's drumming is the best ever recorded.

This record is not only the result of face to face's hard work in the studio, but the FANS as well. This record was originally recorded and finished back in January/February, and, in a fresh approach to assembling the album, the band posted the songs on the web. They then asked their online community of fans to vote on what songs should appear on the album with the 12 songs most voted on appearing here. As it is usually with face to face, the band never fails to include its fans in each and every project they do.

This is a fantastic album, and I absolutely recommend it without reservation.


not for simple minded lycanthropist....   June 30, 2000
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

face to face is the greatest punk band. typical face to face, this album shows that punk need not be static nor obnoxious. in the tradition of the amazing dont turn away, provocative self titled, and ground breaking and prolific ignorance is bliss they deftly create an upbeat and intelligent album. those with lower IQ's and bad taste who did not understand or like "ignorance is bliss" are missing the point if they think they understand this one. face to face has style and strength, and as a band contiues to get better and better and better. thank God they have this line up; trever, scott, pete, and chad are what face to face was meant to be all along! I give it FIVE SHINY STARS!


Face To Face delivers again.   July 24, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Face To Face has once again ripped out another album full of songs in their known style of intense punk rock. This CD does not disappoint in any way, and I would rate it above all their other albums except maybe their Self Titled. The band seems to have discovered the perfect medium between the way they sounded on "Don't Turn Away," and the way the sounded on "Face To Face." Leaving most any traces of "Ignorance Is Bliss," completely in the past, which is where it should stay as far as I'm concerned. There are plenty of great songs on here, and I highly recommend this CD to fans of real punk. And if you unfortunately have been brainwashed by the radio into thinking that Blink 182-ish stuff is what I mean by PUNK....then I encourage you to buy this CD(or albums by the many punk bands I review) to see what punk rock really is all about. Killer tracks are "Disappointed," "What's In A Name," "You Could've Had Everything," "Hollow," and "Solitaire."


My reaction... AMAZING!   June 22, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I am a big Face To Face fan but I must say that I am usually not quick to judge CDs. However, from the first moment I put this in my CD player I enjoyed it. While "Reactionary" doesn't go as experimental as it's predecessor "Ignorance Is Bliss", it surely does carry a complexity of its own. It is much more similar to the band's 1996 self-titled release, however, carries it's own unique influences that make it one very good CD. This album is not typical "pop-punk." It's "pop-punk" with a brilliant flare. I would recommend this for any punk or alt-rock listener, be it a casual or hardcore one.


FANTASTIC   June 21, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Face to Face has done it again. This album is is amazing. It has all the unstoppable energy that you have come to expect from Face to Face. The songs are melodic and speedy; the lyrics are both thought provoking and inspiring. Face to Face never failed to deliver before, and this album is no different. If you like melodic, energized, basically GOOD music, you'll love this album.