Here's to the good old days. With Showbread presently wrapping up their tour in support of their seventh full-length studio album, you can tell they've covered a lot of musical ground over the years. Although the band's lineup as changed a lot since the release of this EP in 2002, the main songwriting element is still there, the band having maintained a core of vocalist/songwriter Josh Dies, bassist Patrick Porter, and guitarist Mike Jensen since the days of the band's first release.

It first should be noted that Promotional EP is Showbread's first release in a professional studio environment. You can definitely tell, with the previous recordings being of quality that leaves something to be desired. The songs are definitely solid, and frankly, they rock. The first two tracks are alright, while "I Am A Machine Gun" definitely takes the award for the standout track. "My Heart Is Yours" gets slightly redundant at the beginning but the grandeur of its ending finale is hard to top. Overall, a worthy EP, though it doesn't top their later Tooth and Nail releases. Great not only for die-hard Showbread fans, but for any fan of Refused-esque punk. And what's more, you can download it for free on the Showbread forum with the band's blessing. Check it out, it's worth your time.

Review date: 9/20/09, written by Josh Unitt for Jesusfreakhideout.com