STICK TO YOUR GUNS begins their 2008 release “Comes From The Heart” stating “We’re What Separates The Heart From The Heartless,” but what separates the band from every other Metalcore outfit based in Orange County? The disc offers little in terms of originality but much in terms of heart.

Complex drumming, frequent breaks in tempo, and the common tough guy with a heart of gold lyrics make this release familiar if not marketable, but in truth the weaker and more melodic passages have more merit. When the growls fade the music exhibits a few twists that enable Jesse Barnett’s vocals to open up and deliver the human element. Barnett has a gifted voice when not overacting, although the heavier vocals sound rather banal.

“We Must Look Like Ants From Up There” hosts an accomplished solo, plus the pinched harmonics and tight riffs from several selections prove that brother Alex and Ryan "The Dog" Nelson can play. Still the overall feel of each track remains stale and the drums never shine in comparison with similar acts.

Although the effort lacks the wow factor that many critics try to find, the disc is heart-felt. “Interlude” concludes with a nice quote that sums up the STICK TO YOUR GUNS approach quite well:

“I would never make a song that everybody agreed with ‘cause . . . you do that by making songs that don’t say anything and if no one’s challenging in any way possible there’s no way you can be misinterpreted and there’s no way . . . anyone could build up enough emotion to react.”

In terms of generating a response the band succeeds, and this fact merits a few points that others might deduct for originality.

(Online May 26, 2008)