After listening to Fear the State's previous collections, "Live at CBGB" and "Trust nothing", I wasn't a bit surprised that "Against The Ropes" turned out so well. With songs like "Independence Day", "Feed Off the Strife", and "Heard Her Sing", they prove that they will always come harder, faster, stronger, and definitely LOUDER.
 Every track is intense, including bass player, Jeff Sobon's proclaimed (2nd) favorite, "Afterglow", which seems like it would be the song they would use to let the crowd THINK that it's time to mellow down by playing a softer, island-feel verse,(imagine 3-11's "Amber"), but goes right back into Fear the State Territory, without missing a beat.
  No matter the song, the band is woven together tighter than a Tarahumara Indian basket. This is especially evident in "The Distance" and "Never Say Fail". Still, "Forgiven" is my all-time favorite FTS composition, and the new version is even more amazing than I could have hoped for.
    Fear The State fans will not be disappointed. This compilation is just another zip-lock bag of evidence that these guys are here to stay. Keep up the excellent work guys!