THE DRAFT >> IN A MILLION PIECES. EPITAPH 2006

What does it say about a band when they're getting CD reviews before they even put out an album? It says their reputation precedes them. It says their past projects were a subcultural shoulder to lean on through critical times. It says the lyrics grabbed you by the collar and jerked you out of self-pity and complacency. The band's character shook your scene, and their live shows left you sitting on a curb outside a dirty club in a sweaty, cathartic afterglow.The Draft is Hot Water Music minus Chuck Ragan. After spending the better part of the last decade in a stinky van, Chuck is apparently ready for a breather. And rightfully, HWM just isn't HWM without Chuck. Remaining band members Jason Black, George Robelo, and Chris Wollard make up The Draft, along with Todd Rockland. Rockland is a Gainesville-based guitarist formerly with Unitas, another HWM side-project (not to be confused with the Wollard/ Ragan collaboration, Rumbleseat). The Draft makes it very clear that Rockland is not filling in for Ragan. After all, this is not HWM, but an entirely new endeavor. Recently on the road with Avail--packing venues on reputation and unreleased songs--their plans to go into the studio for their debut were finally honored as big fish label Epitaph cut them their own release, In A Million Pieces. This CD shows a matured HWM, in a post-hardcore kind of way. It's not the "we overproduced our album to make it more radio-friendly and now it's oatmeal," kind of way. It's a similar melodic rock, sans the growling harmonies. These songs show progression, without losing touch of their Fuel For The Hate Game roots. In other words, the boys are honoring the old, while embracing the new--a winning combination for any listener. By Jon Coen