FACE TO FACE: The melodic punk institution, whose songs have influenced and entire generation of bands, return to Fat Wreck Chords – the same label who released their classic debut ‘Dont turn away’. Protection, the groups 9th full length album, draws from the energy of their earlier records but is filtered through the band’s unique perspective as true ‘lifers’ in punk rock. The result is an urgent and powerful 11-song blast that recalls the melody and angst of the band’s formative sound, while showcasing their greatly matured song-writing acumen. Thoughtfully penned lyrics bolster the entire album, from band favourites ‘ Double Crossed’ and ‘Say What You Want’ to the vicious barb ’14:59′ and the emotional ‘Bent But Not Broken’. Another factor in the album’s outcome was the contribution of Bill Stevenson (NOFX, Rise Against, Propagandhi). After nearly two decades of Face To Face producing their own albums, the benefit of the collaboration with Stevenson is reflected in the elevated feeel of ‘Protection’. Despite the fact that Face To Face doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, ‘Protection’ is an emphatic validation of their 25 years of massive commercial and critical success.