Out of My Hands

The Zoo Crew, those free-spirited hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Out of My Hands" by Face to Face, a track from their 1996 self-titled album, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a punchy anthem of raw emotion, captures the band’s signature punk rock energy with its driving guitars and introspective lyrics. In a 2016 interview with Punknews.org, frontman Trever Keith shared that "Out of My Hands" was born from a place of personal frustration, reflecting his struggle with losing control in a chaotic period of his life. He described the writing process as cathartic, with the band jamming in their Huntington Beach garage until the song’s urgent tempo felt just right. Fans on X have echoed this sentiment, with one user posting in 2023, “Still scream along to ‘Out of My Hands’—it’s like Face to Face bottled my 90s angst and never let it go.”

Another tidbit about the song surfaced in a 2018 podcast on The Peer Pleasure Podcast, where bassist Scott Shiflett revealed that the band almost cut "Out of My Hands" from the album due to time constraints in the studio. However, producer Jim Goodwin insisted it stay, arguing its raw edge was a standout. This decision paid off, as the track became a fan favorite at live shows, often sparking mosh pits during their 1997 tour. A fan on the Face to Face Fans Facebook group shared a story from a 1999 concert in San Diego, recalling how Trever dedicated the song to “everyone who’s ever felt like life’s slipping away,” making the crowd erupt. The song’s enduring appeal is evident, with Instagram posts from their 2022 tour showing fans holding up signs with the song’s lyrics, proving its lasting resonance.

Face to Face formed in Victorville, California, in 1991, when Trever Keith, then a skate punk kid with a knack for songwriting, teamed up with drummer Rob Kurth and bassist Matt Riddle. Inspired by bands like The Descendents and Hüsker Dü, they started jamming in garages, playing local gigs for friends and fellow punks. Their early days were gritty, with Keith working odd jobs to fund their first EP, Don’t Turn Away, recorded in a small studio for just a few hundred bucks. Released in 1992, the EP caught the attention of Fat Wreck Chords, launching them into the SoCal punk scene. Scott Shiflett joined on bass in 1995, solidifying their lineup. By the time their self-titled album dropped in 1996, Face to Face had honed a sound that blended melodic hooks with raw intensity, earning them a loyal following.

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. In a 2020 Alternative Press feature, Keith reflected on their brief breakup in 2004, citing burnout from relentless touring and label pressures. Yet, their love for music brought them back together in 2008, stronger than ever. Today, Face to Face remains a staple in punk rock, with a discography spanning over three decades. Fans can connect with them on their official website, follow updates on Facebook, check out tour photos on Instagram, and join conversations on X. For deeper fan engagement, the Face to Face Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and punks alike share stories, setlists, and nostalgia. The PunkRockers.com fan site also offers a treasure trove of band history, discography, and forum discussions for diehard supporters.