Unwritten Law: a solid, but unknown band

Unwritten Law may not have officially broken into the mainstream music circuit yet, but if they haven't, the only thing holding them back is a lack of name recognition. With roots dating back to Poway, California, this high-powered quintet has come to epitomize the SoCal punk rock scene.

Unwritten Law possesses a furious energy that carries through to both their albums and their live performances, invigorating crowds and fortifying their popularity among the punk populace. It is rare, indeed, that a band can manage to incorporate such potent lyrics with intense, yet, catchy tunes without losing something in the translation, but the group's spirit and intensity helps them to stand out amongst the crowd.

Featuring lead vocalist Scott Russo, guitarists Rob Brewer and Steve Morris, bassist Pat Kim and drummer Wade Youman, the band has produced five albums and has also been featured on the MTV Road Rules soundtrack. Their musical dexterity stretches from the more traditional hardcore punk rock to reggae with underlying surf rhythms, a throwback to the days of yore when punk bands played what they wanted, when they wanted to, without regard for the demands of executives or record labels.

With a lively spirit and intensity that can only be classified as refreshing in these times of prepackaged sitcom music, Unwritten Law constantly strives to redefine itself and to surpass previously inhibiting musical barriers.

Their new album, titled From Music in High Places, is certainly no exception. The collection actually resulted from the MTV television series of the same title, Music in High Places, which sent rock groups to exotic locations around the world to produce live concerts. In the case of Unwritten Law and its performance in Yellowstone National Park, the experiment can be hailed as nothing short of a roaring success. All of the songs on the compact disc, with one exception, were recorded live in Yellowstone, and the awe-stirring natural beauty of the forests surely contributed to the swelling energy and underlying spirituality of the album, unique even among Unwritten Law's distinguishing work.

The collection opens with "Before I Go," a slow, laid-back number that hints at the group's reggae roots. With rolling drum riffs, emphasized bass and a featured guitar solo reminiscent of surf rock, this primary song sets a smooth feel for the entire album and does a fair job of hooking the listener from the start. "Rest of My Life" is up next, highlighting a quiet rhythm and harmonious background that settles well against Russo's vocal ability. Steve Morris's considerable musical talents are spotlighted in "Seeing Red" and "Geronimo," both with impressive moving guitar lines that bring life to the piece and echoes the beauty of Yellowstone.

The number "Up All Night" stands out among the rest of the album with a unique rhythm and featured bass that commands attention from the opening note and truly demonstrates why Unwritten Law is becoming one of the premiere punk bands across the nation. It's rare that a musical group so unproven can conduct such an offbeat experiment in discordant harmonies, but the quintet succeeds beyond all expectations, capturing the sense of ultimate insomnia of which they sing. Also notable are "Rescue Me" and the closing number "Shallow," beautiful pieces truly capturing the environment in which they sing.

Taken all in all, "From Music in High Places" enhances an already impressive musical resume. Unwritten Law may not have yet reached the popularity commanded by mainstream artists, but there is little to suggest it is through any fault of their own. With beautiful harmonies, soaring lyrics and an incredible selection of songs highlighting the group's dexterity and talent, this album is a necessary addition to any CD collection.