Near the end of 2002, the hard rock intensity of Project 86 was reaching its zenith. Frustrations over music industry ideals were beginning to show at an alarming rate, and with the release of "Truthless Heroes" came an honest account of what it was like being involved with the corporate machine from someone trapped inside. The group's abrasive music was a sore fit with the traditional record label, and after the scathing lyrical lashing of the concept album, few were surprised when Atlantic Records allowed the band to pack their things and leave. Now the group have returned to the independent scene, and have done so in fine form, as "Songs To Burn Your Bridges By" does just that, unleashing the group's residual animosity with renewed energy.

For all its bold lyrical content, "Truthless Heroes" suffered severely from a sluggish pace, and the vast majority of it seemed to convey the miserable mindset the band had found themselves mired in. The severing of ties has given Project 86 a new look on life, and with this rebirth unto the indie scene comes some of their most vitriolic music yet. Suffice to say, the band could not have chosen a more apt title, as they flush out their systems of any lingering poison with acerbic riffs and an acid dripping tongue. As with much of the group's lyrics, the messages contained are open to interpretation but by and large it seems resoundingly clear that Project 86 aren't quite finished venting. "The Great Golden Gate Disaster" and "Say Goodnight To The Bad Guy" burn with righteous fury, and vocalist Andrew Schwab passes judgment in every direction with the fervor of a man possessed. The impact he now has with a simple scream is especially surprising, considering his limp delivery in the past. Plus the hunger shown in his vicious rhetoric is actually quite inspiring. The band seem to latch onto this audible change, as the music erupts with driving force. Stephen Dail's bass presence is immediately felt, and serves as the group's adrenalized backbone, thumbing along with a punk tenacity. "The Spy Hunter" has returned and retains its original shine, kicking the album off to a powerful start and the energy felt in this cut serves as preparation for what is to come. The band then move to incorporate limited bursts of melody and programming throughout the album, and though neither provide a core capable of carrying the tunes on their own, it is a positive sign that they are still interested in expanding upon their distinctive sound, albeit in small doses.

To say this is a fresh start to the group's career is deceiving, as though they have been given a new path to expand upon, much of this record feels quite familiar. While the band are certainly performing on all cylinders, they seem to have reached a point where even the most energetic songs are worn around the edges. The one exception is on the passionately tragic "Sioux Lane Spirits", as the group come together to launch hard-hitting explosions of edgy hard rock. Project 86 have the ability to breeze through their new material with a blind ease. But if you skim away the intrigue and venom that this album is built upon, you soon find a group that have functioned off of the same design since releasing their eponymous debut in 1998. They say if the wheel isn't broken, don't fix it and to an extent this is true, but if listeners are looking for any surprises they should proceed with caution. By now fans of the group know what to expect, and for those who have embraced past material this should be a welcome reprieve from the mainstream. As for the rest of the world, trust that those bridges are burning because of you.