Working to re-revive the 1980's in 2006 is certain to be met with initial skepticism. There is little debate that this Austin, Texas quintet's 2006 debut album, Fear Is On Our Side, belongs in the 80's revivalist bin, but don't roll your eyes and dismiss too quickly. This resuscitation project is derivative of a more timeless, classic sound worth revisiting.

It was not a huge surprise to discover that longtime Ministry member, Paul Barker, produced this LP. There are hints of early Ministry, along side pieces of Joy Division, Talk Talk, and the darker days of Depeche Mode that linger throughout Fear Is On Our Side. Yet, they weave these pieces together in a unique and interesting enough way to warrant spending a little time with this album.

This album is heavy on the rhythm section and light on the lyrics. The sturdy, no-nonsense drum beats of Tim White laced with Edward Robert's overdriven bass leads provide a nice foundation for front man Christian Goyer's sad distant lyrics. All the while, Ernest Salaz and Daniel Del Favero provide chiming guitar harmonies and dreamy synthesizer riffs that thread it altogether into a stream of dark, yet surprising toe-tapping, semi-Goth pop. "The Ghost" and "The Owl" are two of the darker songs on this album that set the tone and back-up the feel of the album cover and the band's reputation, but the tunes are not all dark and gloomy. Both "Lights" and "According to Plan" shed a little light on this seemingly sunless album and might even awaken a hand-clap from a new-new wave punk rocker.

But for the most part, it's tailor made for a long drive on a dark back road. So, if you find yourself having just broken up with your girlfriend after telling her you love her but you've chosen darkness, and you've stormed out into the rain at 1am to your 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for a long drive back home, you could do a lot worse than having ILYBICD's Fear Is On Our Side spinning in the deck, keeping you company.