The Gift proved to be a real breakout release for Boston's
Bullet Lavolta. After a brief release on indie label Taang! Records, RCA snatched the band up and this, their first full-length, became their major-label debut. The approach is more melodic than hardcore and more immediate than metal, and Boston-area fans loved it.
Bullet Lavolta never really broke outside their home turf, but they deserve credit for making interesting music. Unlike many developing hardcore bands of their time,
Bullet Lavolta was never so infatuated with their own anger. These Massachusetts punkers demonstrate an almost
Sex Pistols-like swagger that so many hardcore screamers never stop shouting long enough to notice. This enviable trait is quite evident throughout
The Gift, especially on tracks like "Sneer" and "Off-Kilter." Hardcore fans interested in obscure titles should be on the lookout for this release, a solid performance from an unfortunately obscure band. ~ Vincent Jeffries