Shelter's last gem on Roadrunner Records was more of a crossover attempt to introduce a mainstream audience to Krishna consciousness. Seeing that this album is on the not-as-big Victory Records, it shows how "successful"
Ray Cappo (vocals) and
Porcell (guitar) were. When 20 Summers Pass is a thankful return back to their hardcore roots -- no hints of ska or pop this time around.
Shelter always had a gentler approach to their hardcore message of a drug-free/meat-free lifestyle. Cappo's mild vocals speak to you instead of aggressively trying to shove his messages down your throat. And the hard-hitting posi-core of his former band
Youth of Today remains without the cliché metal riffs and testosterone of the usual brand of new school hardcore. Granted,
Shelter's message of Krishnacore remains as creepy as ever, but at least they've returned to their brand of inspiring, melodic hardcore. ~ Mike DaRonco