This came out in 2000 — or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Despite their indecisive handle, these New York punks aren’t the kind of guys who do anything by half-measures. Case in point: Fanbelt Algebra, their sophomore album.
With a dozen tracks that clock in at just over a half-hour, this is a full-throttle blast of classic American hardcore complete with chiming, churning guitars, gung-ho, take-no-prisoners pacing and emotionally inspirational lyrics that show there’s plenty of heart and soul behind all the beef and brawn. Of course, this hardly makes them unique; with their polka-punk pogo beats and Bad Religion-style intellect, Grey Area bear a striking sonic resemblance to zillions of other punk bands — most of the Epitaph roster, come to think of it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. With music ruled by cookie-cutter teen acts and interchangeable rap-metal ripoffs, Grey Area could be a great place to take refuge.
