Redemption

The Fiendz new album, released in the Summer of 2002, is called "Redemption" and it has more of an "old-school Fiendz" sound to it. Lead singer Jerry Jones said, "We wanted to go back to the way we used to do things when we started the band and the label, therefore the songs are more simplistic and straight-forward. We also stripped it back down to a 3-piece with no keyboards, no horns or orchestrations."

"Now with 5 albums and over 80 songs to choose from, it's been kind of hard making a set-list these days. Although it seems as if something always gets left out, we try to play a nice mixture of songs from all of our records. Of course, we have standards that we always play, such as “Dead End”, “The Deals” and “Boring Story” because a lot of people request them. We’ll also be playing the fast version of “We're The Fiendz” this time around", says Jones.

Don’t Blame Me (This song is an obvious tip-of-the-hat to one of my favorite bands, Bad Religion).

You’re Never Far Away (This song was written for my mother-in-law. She meant the world to me!)

We also put together our very own FIENDZ FUNZINE and gave it away for free at all the shows...

The Fiendz have a slight Face to Face feel to it-which isn't a bad thing. The resemblance comes mostly because of similar-sounding vocals. Other than that, The Fiendz offers up 12 tracks of songs about troubled relationships, life, and everything in between. One of the best tracks on the disc is "How Ridiculous", which sounds like a punk-rock version of barbershop quartet (and, in fact, the backing vocals give that feel). If anything, they make The Fiendz's music much more dynamic and enjoyable to listen to. Also, "Don't Blame Me" seems like an homage to Bad Religion. The Fiendz is a band that started in 1987, and, after all those years, REDEMPTION serves as a return to the band's pop-punk form. If you're a fan of the band's older music, then you'll love REDEMPTION. The quality of the music on this New Jersey punk band's new album may also gain it new fans. Highly recommended. ---SKRATCH MAGAZINE -Dane Jackson

12 Tracks of excellent pop-punk. Mix elements of ALL, No Use For a Name at their lighter moments, and Elvis Costello in his glorious early years, and you have a damn fine record. Most Excellent. (RK)---AMP ONLINE (May 2003)

If you're going to release an album as infrequently as say, every four years, you better make it a good one. Despite such gaps in their collective resume, New Jersey's long-running purveyors of earnest punk-pop have returned with another primo effort, arguably their best since 1991's wonderful WACT LP. Having taken something of a detour with the slower-tempo Dreams & Cole LPs, something appears to have rejuvenated The Fiendz on Redemption, to re-visit the riff/harmony-happy escapades that made WACT the power/pop/punk holy grail it was. Still Lemonheads-esque to the core and loving it, Jerry Jones & Co. are the perfect antidote to all the homogenized punk-pap that clutters our once-cherished airwaves. The world has never needed The Fiendz more.---THE BIG TAKEOVER (issue #51)

Wow, this local NJ band has come a long way since their more Misfits-inspired material of the Eighties. Redemption consists of 12 mid-tempo pop songs accentuated by Jerry Jones' melodic vocals and rich, rich harmonies. Anyone who enjoys ALL's slower stuff will love the new Fiendz. Make no mistake, these are pure power pop songs, all grown up and well-written; the word "pop-punk" would really be wholly inappropriate here. So, some might find this wimpy, or the simple (but totally effective) lyrics and sentiments schmaltzy. Well, fuck those people. It should also be noted that The Fiendz really deserve a few paragraphs in the big book of NJ punk history if for nothing other than their longevity (as well as that of their label, Black Pumpkin.) Redemption is a pleasure. I hope these guys tour soon. -JERSEY BEAT #72-Johnny Puke

This New Jersey band has been around for a while. Their last got a bit too mellow or pop for my tastes but here they return to their roots in pop punk. In the same vein as their first two LPs. So the crowd that enjoyed that early stuff should check this out. Basic songs about girls and such with pop vocals and the "ahhh's" on cue. A nice semi-comeback. (RL) ---MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL (Sept 2002)

Ok, I'll say it again. The Fiendz released one of the best (and most overlooked) pop punk records of the 80's when they were in high school. At this point it's just main man Jerry Jones who is left in the group, but they have continued to release albums over the years. But every time I read a review, they compare it to their first LP. Hey, they were in high school! People grow up. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the 2 minute pop punk song, hell, I have more tolerance for that genre than anyone I know, but when a band changes to a style that doesn't rock at the same pace, people rip on it. Well, I'm not going to. This is a fine power pop record, lots of harmonies, songs with more than three chords all played at the same speed, and plenty lyrically to sink your teeth into about love. I love these guys, always have and always will, primarily because Jerry Jones knows how to write songs that stick in your head and have more going on than anything most 18 year olds can bring to the table. (Steve)---SHREDDING PAPER (issue # 14)

This album is dedicated to the loving memory of Dotty Clifton (Mamma), my beloved Mother-In-Law.