CHAMPION - TIME SLIPS AWAY

They're loud, they're fast and they've got a lot to shout about. Seattle based straight edge legends Champion have made a point of being heard since 1999 when they first released their Demo tape. 3  extended plays (one being a split with Betrayed released in 2006 through Rivalry Records which you can purchase from this link) and two albums later and Champion made their mark as one of the worlds leading straight edge bands of new wave hardcore. 

After their 1999 Demo and first EP in 2000, Come Out Swinging, which was released by Phyte Records and Platinum Recordings, Champion found themselves moving on to the legendary Bridge 9 with their 2002 EP, Count Our Numbers. The band cemented their place with Bridge 9, staying with them until their heartbreaking disbanding in 2006. Through the well established record label, they released the well known full length, Promises Kept.

On the 19th of April 2005, we found ourselves with the compilation album: "Time Slips Away". The album features their two Bridge 9 EPs. Some fans may prefer having the compilation instead of two EPs like myself, other fans may even just like to have it as part of their distro, and then you get those who'll just want Champion everything. I dig that. 

Time Slips Away starts with The Decline. the intro is long and climax building before finally hitting us with two memorable chords where we find ourselves singing along and two stepping almost straight after. The vocals are strong and the lyrics about selling out and breaking edge are powerful and backed with ruthless aggression. Throughout the song you'll find yourself picking up change, moshing hard and slamming yourself into your bedroom wardrobes.

The uplifting Fourth Of July is straight up original hardcore sounding just as good as the first time it came round in the 80's. The lyrics show coming of age, strength in wisdom and promote living positively. It's simply youth crew gold. This makes me want to X up and shout the lines at the next pedestrian who passes me.

The album titled track Time Slips Away is yet again another burst of energy and passion. It's melodic tone underneath the grizzly riffs, frequent chugs and double kick drum is beautiful. You can feel the pain in the voice of Jim Hesketh as he desperately aches to either relieve the old days and take time back or just break the shackles and feel rid of past guilt and regrets. This track captivates me, standing out of from the rest. A definite highlight.

Songs such as One Sixteen, Is Anybody There?, A Thank You Note and One To Two all share somewhat repetitive qualities. It's very much generic youth crew hardcore but Champion do not ever let the speed and energy slow down, keeping you going even through the fillers.

Harrison And Broadway is another highlight of the album for me. Sure, it's the same old Champion for most of the part but I feel that this track is very unique in the second half and towards closing. The track is very melodic throughout whilst staying raw and punky. Out of nowhere about a minute and a half through, we start to hear repetitive snare rolls which slide in to a melodic, metallic hardcore, slowed down breakdown. It's more purely for listen than moshing. This out of the ordinary section makes the song for me.

I urge all hardcore and punk fans to listen to Champion immediately. Listen to every song closely on this as Time Slips Away is an essential for your collection and you ought to be learning the words to each of the songs on the album. If you're a fan and you haven't already, you should be ashamed. 

Champion and bands alike are the reason why I am proud to be straight edge. Youth Crew Hardcore is killer.

You can purchase Champion's releases and merchandise directly from the Bridge 9 Store.

You can also purchase

Until next time folks, keep moshing hard.

What did you think of Time Slips Away? Did you enjoy it? Did you not? Are you a fan of Champion? Let me know your opinions in the comments!