Driven Far Off

The latest on the indie, alternative, and rock music scene including news, music, contest, interviews, and more. Best described as your favorite place to find new bands.

American Diary – The Brightest Colors

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American Diary

Artist: American Diary
Album: The Brightest Colors
Label: Independently Released
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: April 3rd, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.5

Recently the East Coast has proven to be quite a breeding ground for new-found talent. As many great bands have seemingly popped up overnight; this however is not the case.The fact of the matter is that these groups have worked very hard and put in the time to hone their craft. One such group being American Diary; who have spent the better part of their young career with the shoulder firmly to the wheel. By taking their music to the legion halls and basements across the Atlantic Seaboard, many have been forced to take notice. Their fanbase has grown exponentially as the band has sold out numerous local venues and moved over 1,000 copies of their debut album Wear It ‘Til You Love it. Shortly after its release the band found themselves in the studio with acclaimed producer Paul Leavitt (Over It, Cute Is What We Aim For, All Time Low) who oversaw the creation of their latest offering aptly titled The Brightest Colors which intensely displays American Diary’s best work to date.

As the first chords are struck “The Goodbye Celebration” sets this seven song EP in motion. American Diary without haste superbly blend all the elements that makeup their radiant pop-punk sound. The song “We Could Be Hero’s” features some intriguing and abstract lyrical content such as the chorus of “This poison called fame and the veins of the insane says that we could be heroes.” Track three entitled “Life With Out Living” seemingly tells a lured tale of alcohol, hookups and overall bad decisions all before it breaks down into a catchy series of kick drum and handclaps. I completely view “Til Death Do Us Part” as the standout track. An intrepid and very dynamic sound resonates strongly as frontman Brandon Ingley’s vocals seamlessly weave throughout it.

After listening I am left wondering what exactly the title “Liberationtoxication” means, but it doesn’t really matter because it’s a great tune nonetheless. Also one that highlights the crunchy guitar-work of duo Ben Diary and Mikey Clark. “You got me shaking like a first class plane crash” opens the second verse of “I Love You I Like You” and I definitely love this song. By showcasing exceptional musical arrangements it’s clear to me that this band will not remain unsigned for long. The Brightest Colors concludes with “Heart Attack Pact” which is a blistering anthem that makes for a perfect ending. As the music fades out the vocals echo and chant “Swing the mic around, you’ll feel me in the crowd. Oh my god lets make a point to tear this place down. You can’t help, we can’t help, we can’t help, but get caught up in this madhouse.” I know I’m completely caught up in this music and strongly suggest giving this band a chance. The only flaw of The Brightest Colors is that I’m left anxiously awaiting the next full length album by American Diary.

Track List
1. The Goodbye Celebration
2. We Could Be Hero’s
3. Life With Out Living
4. Til Death Do Us Part
5. Liberationtoxication
6. I Love You I Like You
7. Heart Attack Pact

Strung Out – Blackhawks Over Los Angeles

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Strung Out

Artist: Stung Out
Album: Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: June 12, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 9.0

The wait for new Strung Out material is over! Strung Out is back with their seventh full-length album Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. They return with a more focused and driven approach to their songwriting, melding punk with melodic hardcore. It’s not a significant change from their earlier material, so fans won’t be disappointed. However, I’m a Strung Out fan and while I was listening to Blackhawks Over Los Angeles and it got to the fifth, sixth, seventh track etc. I was soon wishing they had changed things up. They are prolific almost to a fault. Although the band has grown over the years, they really haven’t progressed much musically or lyrically. I’m fine with that though. Maybe its nostalgia and the familiar predictability I know I can expect from Strung Out, but they will always have a place in my music collection.

The opening track “Calling” starts with a western melody that then turns into melodic punk-hardcore sound that has a similar flow as “Downtown”. The lyrics behind the songs are strong and flow well with Jason’s vocals. From those two songs and as well as the other songs on the CD are written on the subject of war, not necessarily what’s going on but the people that are caught in the middle of it all. Songs like “Letter Home” tells the story of a soldier writing to his family not knowing what might be the outcome for him and coming to a realization of what were his reasons for going to war. Although some songs touch on the subject of war, Blackhawks Over Los Angeles has a catchy pop-based song like “All The Nations” and their titled-track “Blackhawks Over Los Angeles” along with “Mission Statement” has that familiar sound that is Strung Out.

Their seventh full-length record is one that their fans will like and new ones will enjoy. From their opener “Calling” to the heartfelt personal song “Letter Home” about a soldier Strung Out has managed to keep their influence of punk, hardcore, and metal alive on Blackhawks Over Los Angeles.

Track Listing
1. Calling
2.Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
3. Party In The Hills
4.All the Nations
5. A War Called Home
6. Letter Home
7. Orchid
8. Dirty Little Secret
9. Downtown
10. The King Has Left The Building
11. Mission Statement
12. Diver

Tyler Read – Only Rock and Roll Can Save Us Now

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Tyler Read Only Rock And Roll Can Save Us Now

Artist: Tyler Read
Album: Only Rock And Roll Can Save Us Now
Label: Immortal
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: April 3rd, 2007

Overall: 7.0
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 8.0

What do you expect from a band that has a name of a single person? What do you expect from an album that makes such boisterous claims that “Only Rock and Roll Can Save Us Now”? Well One thing is for sure you better be able to move your head and leg because both will be bobbing and tapping throughout the whole record.

Tyler Read is a hard band to define. They are definitely a rock band that brings out the melodic vocals but they are also a band that digs a little bit deeper and find each person’s sweet spot. The record starts with “The Killer” which is both fast and dirty musically speaking. The song breaks half way with a bouncy verse “Everyone want to go to heaven, but no one wants to die…” which then leads back into the same style the song started with. “Michael Jackson” will get much interest because of its name. The song which is bass driven has a very thick melody which will get stuck to you after the first listen. Is it worthy of a Michael Jackson label? That’s for you to decide.

Once you are a couple songs into the album you can pretty much figure out the bands formula and there is not a lot of variance but that’s not to say you’ll be bored. “Baby’s Got a Gun” throws some gang vocals in a couple spots and gives the song exactly what it needs. “Fire Away” is probably my favorite song on the record because it shows the deeper side of the band. The song begins with catchy guitar which lead into mellow verses where the vocals just pop and let you really appreciate them.

This is one of those bands that are in danger of being judged on their name before people get a chance to listen to them. The album “Only Rock and Roll Can Save Us Now” is not the best album to come out this year, but it a worthy addition and will gain this band some notoriety.

Tracklisting

1. The Killer
2. Intentions
3. Michael Jackson
4. Only Rock And Roll Can Save Us Now
5. All You Need Is Love, But
6. A Litmus Test
7. Baby’s Got A Gun
8. Fire Away
9. Private School Girls
10. Get Ready
11. Heaven

Down for the Count – Broken Record Tactics

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Down for the Count

Artist: Down for the Count
Album: Broken Record Tactics
Label: Kick Rock Music(Japan) Pep-Rock Records(UK)
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: April 10th, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 7.0

Down for the Count is a shining example of what a band today should be… Self-Sufficient! In only a few short years this Southern California rock outfit has booked several tours all on their own, self-funded and self-released each recording, landed distribution deals overseas and have undoubtedly shared the stage with one of your favorite bands. D4TC has garnered quite a following by taking their campaign to the masses. Through handing out fliers weeks before every show, “hustling CD’s at Warped Tour” and countless hours of online promotion. They’ve even followed bands on tour just to meet potential fans in new markets. It is this type of bold ambition and willingness to take chances that has led the band to their debut full length Broken Record Tactics.

The album opens with an unexpected yet stirring piano piece that gradually evolves into the driving pop-punk rhythms of “Something New” which raucously declares “it’s time for something new, something from the heart and captivating.” Those words ring true and serve almost as a mission statement for the group. The song vastly changes direction as it breaks down into a series of scat singing vocals while the instruments ring out. If you are not drawn in enough by now or at least slightly intrigued it won’t be long because “Less Than Three Is Enough for Me” can only be described as immediately catchy. There is no doubt that this tune will find its way onto many Myspace profiles throughout the summer months. Without showing a sign of stopping the formulaic head-bobbing assault only continues with “Cutoffs and Key Chains.” This leads up to the very blunt and biting “Lucky Seven” which provides a genuine but amusing commentary on the music “scene” of today and the all too typical characteristics of those involved. It’s now the halfway point of the album and I truly enjoy what I’ve heard thus far. Catchy music with substance behind it is exactly what I prefer to listen to and Broken Record Tactics delivers.

In my mind Down for the Count draw a comparison to early songs by New Found Glory. They also possess the musical sensibilities of a band such as Hit the Lights; while at the same time display striking similarities to the cadence of The Starting Line. The Latter half of the Broken Record Tactics keeps a steady pace and doesn’t let up a bit. As a series of slightly down tempo hook-laden tracks saturate the heart of the disc. While “Distractions, Distractions…” proves that there is no shortage of rye witty lyrics with the refrain of “all i need is a miracle baby and maybe some alcohol.” The standout track in my opinion is “Planes, Trains, and Tour Buses” and while listening I can’t help but feel eager for future releases by Down for the Count.

As expected the album goes out with a bang as “Throwing in the Towel” features blasting guitars and hard hitting drums that permeate nicely with perfectly timed gang vocals. Broken Record Tactics is chalk-full of all the seamless harmonies, sharp lyrics, and big choruses you could ever want. After listening several times it’s clear to me that Down for the Count are well on their way to success. I imagine that everyone in the music community will be seeing lots of them in the not too distant future. Their debut EP History in the Making has remained atop the 100 best-sellers of all time at Smartpunk.com and history will likely repeat itself with Broken Record Tactics. Down for the Count may not be re-inventing the wheel but they have certainly managed to attach a set of bright sleek rims.

Track List
1. Introduction
2. Something New
3. Less Than Three Is Enough for Me
4. Cutoffs and Key Chains
5. Lucky Seven
6. Torn Up from the Ground Up
7. Bedposts Are for Suckers
8. No Highway Option
9. Distractions, Distractions…
10. Planes, Trains, and Tour Buses
11. Throwing in the Towel

The Klaxons – Myths Of The Near Future

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klaxons

Artist: The Klaxons
Album: Myths Of The Near Future
Label: Geffen
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: March 27, 2007

Overall: 7.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.5

Another dance record from the UK; it’s not the first, and it certainly wont be the last.  With that being said though, “Myths Of The Near Future” is far cry from a bad or bland record.  Dance records are not hard to come by these days, but the Klaxons have added their own touches to the age-old recipe.  For one thing, nearly all the songs on the record rely heavily on guitars, unlike most bands in their genre.  The guitars combined with the well placed feedback, and the ferocious drumming throughout the album make for a gritty, raw sound that most dance records dismiss.  It works for The Klaxons however, and is perhaps their most distinguishing factor.

The vocals are another strong point of the album.  Singer Jamie Reynolds displays incredible range and versatility on each of the songs.  This is most notable in Gravity’s Rainbow, and Golden Skans, but is certainly not limited to the two.  Every song possesses certain vocal qualities that vary often throughout the album.  Another interesting aspect is the incredibly catchy It’s Not Over Yet, a cover song originally by Grace.  I was surprised to see the band put a cover on their record since it is not often done, but it was unquestionably a good choice, as it is one of the strongest songs musically on the album. The songs come together impeccably, creating an album for listeners that is both musically interesting, as well as extremely lively and fun.  Although The Klaxons might hail from a genre of music you may not listen to often, this album is worth giving a try; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Track Listing
1. Two Receivers
2. Atlantis To Interzone
3. Golden Skans
4. Totem On The Timeline
5. As Above So Below
6. Isle Of Her
7. Gravity’s Rainbow
8. Forgotten Works
9. Magick
10. It’s Not Over Yet
11. Four Horsemen Of 2012

Comeback Kid – Broadcasting

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Comeback Kid

Artist: Comeback Kid
Album: Broadcasting
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: February 20, 2007

Overall: 7.0
Music: 7.5
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.0

Find yourself wondering just how Comeback Kid will sound after they under went a vocalist change? Well to all you Comeback Kid fanatics you can say they have found a worthy successor to hold down their hardcore rants, their very own guitarist Andrew Nuefeld. Following their much-anticipated release Wake the Dead in 2005, Broadcasting is certain to still be able to attract their devoted fans and reel in a few more.

After two long years, the Canadian based hardcore band has crafted what will prove to be their most defining work and this is coming from a person that hardly listens to hardcore music. Since changing vocalist I think Comeback Kid were kind of stuck somewhere between either changing their sound or staying on the same course they have been on. Although for some bands it can either make or break them I think Comeback Kid have chosen to keep some of their sound while mixing it up a little. Their opening track “Defeated” has to be one of their strong songs on the record and it’s a great introduction to the record. Following after is the title-track “Broadcasting” which holds that same engaging chorus as “Defeated”. The rest of the album follows in almost the same footsteps but holds a few differences such as “Give’r (Reprise) which is a quick hardcore song that lets you in and then throws you out. One track that also stands out from the middle to the ending of the record is “Market Demands” because of its opening. However, no matter how softly you play it, Broadcasting will feel cranked up. The only negative comment that I have for this CD is that there is not one song that you’ll like in whole but you’ll like in parts. For fans who listen to The Banner, Bane and With Honor.

Track Listing
1. Defeated
2. Broadcasting…
3. Hailing On Me
4. The Blackstone
5. Industry Standards
6. Give’r (Reprise)
7. One Left Satisfied
8. Come Around
9. In Case Of Fire
10. Market Demands
11. In/Tuition

Ari Hest and The Damnwells @ The Troubadour (Los Angeles)

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I had been anxiously awaiting May 14th for weeks. I could not have
been more excited about seeing the Damnwells team up with Ari Hest at
the Troubadour in Los Angeles. I have been a long time fan of the
Damnwells and just recently within the past few months have become
very intrigued by Ari Hest, who is not at all new to the folk rock world and
has been releasing albums for a few years now. His latest release
Break In on Columbia was released on May 1st of this year (you need a copy!) and has been quickly gaining the attention of many.

The troubadour is quite possibly one of the most intimate places for
a show in Los Angeles, which made it the perfect setting for this show.
I spoke above about Ari Hest gaining the attention of many and that
could not have been more the case during his performance.

Among the already quite diverse fans – the young and the old(er) that were in
attendance was Ms. Scarlett Johansson lovingly attached to Ryan
Reynolds. Also in attendance were members of the band Ingram  Hill (13
going on 30 soundtrack). Although Ari and The Damnwells were not
playing in front of a sold out crowd they had done their fair share
filling the room with many eager listeners.

Ari Hest’s had a sincerity in his live performance that really captured the attention of the audience. At times it did seem that the band behind him was almost awkward in their appearance and the way they engaged with one another. That awkwardness moved my attention off of the music here and there. Ari Hest put on a genuine performance and musically was very tight. Towards the end of his set he played an incredible cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Mercy Street”.

 

The Damnwells followed Ari Hest and put on an excellent show as well. Singer Alex Dezen gave a heartfelt performance and engaged with the crowd with a comfortable honesty. They played many songs off of their new album Air Stereo — which I also recommend to everyone! The Damnwells have an originality that sets them above par within their genre. I was quite impressed by their performance and am eagerly awaiting the next show.

When either of these artists make it through your town – be sure to check out the show. If  you don’t own either of their albums make sure to check them out!


The Toasters – One More Bullet

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The Toasters

Artist: The Toasters
Album: One More Bullet
Label: Stomp Records / Megalith Records
Purchase: Stomp
Release Date: April 27, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 6.0

Ska is back and there is no better proponent than icons of the scene, The Toasters! They’ve carved out their own niche in history for the past 25 years showcasing their 2-Tone inspired sound to the world and show no signs of quitting anytime soon with their most recent full length CD One More Bullet (Stomp Records).

Lead by British expatriate Rob “Bucket” Hingley who formed the Toasters in 1982, One More Bullet was recorded in Valencia, Spain at RPM Studios by renowned producer Cubo and engineered by the great Roger Garcia. Featuring eleven huge tracks of trademark Toasters ska, the album also features guest appearances from Greg Robinson (Mephiskapheles), Bufford O’Sullivan (Slackers, Easy Star Allstars), and Claude Robillard (Daze Of Dawn).

One More Bullet starts off strong showcasing the signature sound the Toasters have become famous for with “What a Gwan” an upbeat song about big-brother inspired closed circuit TV security cameras that are becoming more abundant in urban society, even going so far to claim that “we are all living in 1984”. The album features a nice mix of reggae-tinged ska on tracks such as “Where’s the Freedom”, “Life In A Bubble”, “Run Rudy Run Redux”, and “Bits and Pieces” that feature Jamaican-style vocals sung by bassist Jason Nwagbaroacha. The album continues to wind through a mix of traditional ska and reggae stylings and ends just as strong as it started with “El Chopo” and the unique “Blues Bros. Outro…” an ode and dedication of ska-reformed blues inspired from “The Blues Brothers”.

Overall the album is catchy and upbeat with a handful of tunes that will make even those who don’t necessarily like ska want to dance. One More Bullet is proof positive that North America’s longest running ska band can kick out the jams like no other. It’s no wonder why the band has been branded as the “Miles Davis of Ska” and the “Ramones of Ska” alike. Here’s to another 25 years!

Track Listing
1. What A Gwan
2. Night Train To Moscow
3. Where’s The Freedom?
4. Life In A Bubble
5. Run Rudy Run Redux
6. You’re Gonna Pay
7. Bits And Pieces
8. When Will I Be Loved
9. One More Bullet
10. Step Up
11. El Chopo
12. Blues Bros Outro…

Amber Pacific – Truth In Sincerity

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Amber Pacific

Artist: Amber Pacific
Album: Truth In Sincerity
Label: Hopeless Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22nd, 2007

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.5

For those of you anticipating Amber Pacific’s new album “Truth in Sincerity” to be a complete evolution from their first full-length album, “The Possibility in the Promise”, you will be disappointed. However, for those of you that are fans of Amber Pacific’s original style, you will be thrilled with their latest album. Amber Pacific, consisting of Matt Young, Greg Strong, “Dango”, and Will Nutter, can be described as one of those bands that is distinguished in great part by the sound of their vocalist’s voice. Matt Young has a deep, sorrowful voice that can easily convey the emotions that their music typically expresses: love, heartbreak, and anguish. The quality and sound of his vocals hasn’t changed within the new album. The band’s generally romance-related song messages are also disclosed through their creative, sentimental lyrics; the topics their music touches on have also not changed very much throughout this album.

Nor has the general sound of their music changed too much. It is heavily guitar-incorporated and has a hopeful sound that appeals to many. The main change that Amber Pacific has made in their music within the new album is the speed of their songs. Many songs in the new album have a quicker pace. I personally enjoyed the sound of the new album, but was somewhat disappointed to not see many changes in their music, although I am a fan of “The Possibility and the Promise”. Being a fan of their previous full-length album, I was excited to see that the CD’s bonus tracks were, in fact, acoustic versions of two songs from “The Possibility and the Promise”-“Always You (Good Times)” and “For What It’s Worth”. Throughout these numbers, Matt Young’s voice sounds very raw and natural-suggesting that he is a naturally talented vocalist.

So, all in all, I recommend Amber Pacific’s latest album to fans that wouldn’t mind and might in fact enjoy hearing something very similar to their last album. For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of listening to Amber Pacific prior to now, I also recommend the albums to those of you interested in a rock band with a somewhat mellow sound.

Track List
1. Rule #76
2. Summer (In B)
3. Temporary
4. Youre Only Young Once
5. Living Proof
6. Follow Your Dreams
7. Take Me From This
8. Fall Back Into My Life
9. We Think Were Hardcore, Cause, Well, We Are
10. Runaway (Featuring Mike Herrera Of Mxpx)
11. Watching Over Me
12. Dear ____, This Has Always Been About Standing Up For Yourself

The Used – Lies for the Liars

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The Used

Artist: The Used
Album: Lies for the Liars
Label: Reprise Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22, 2007

Overall: 9.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 9.5
Production: 9.5

The Used haven’t, within highly anticipated “Lies for the Liars”, made a complete transformation from their musical style seen in their 2004 album “In Love In Death”. This isn’t to say, however, that they haven’t made significant (and, in my own opinion, positive) changes to their music. Depending on the song, various features are present in their new music that were absent from their old. Jazz-like intros and tunes, piano incorporation, heavy guitar riffs, well-meshing lead and backup vocals, and softer-toned vocals are some of the alterations that have been made to The Used’s music. However, for those of you fond of their old music, frontman Bert McCracken’s voice has the same sweet-sounding quality, the lyrics are just as groundbreaking and raw, and screaming, bitter songs are still around for this Utah-based group. Some songs have a better tune and overall musical appeal than others, but all songs are of good quality. The lyrics, as stated before, continue throughout this album to be truthful and raw, and yet they have a poetic, deep quality to them at some points as well. The album overall is of fantastic quality, and will be appreciated by new and old fans alike of the four man band consisting of Bert McCracken, Jeph Howard, Quinn Allman, and Dan Whiteside. I highly recommend this album to anyone generally interested in alternative music. Here are some descriptions detailing the musical and lyrical quality of specific tracks. Enjoy!

Track One: “The Ripper”
The opening to the first number of “Lies for the Liars” is intense and most definitely guitar-incorporated. The screeching guitar riff that introduces the album may even be described as metal-esque. Throughout this song, McCracken extends from his typically sweet-toned vocals, and his voice meshes well with that of backup vocalist/ bass guitarist Jeph (Jepha) Howard. The heavy guitar continues throughout the song, and some screaming ensues as well.

Track Two: “Pretty Handsome Awkward”
The second track contains another guitar-incorporated opening. McCracken’s vocals are intense, and the lyrics he sings are bitter and angry. The tune to this raging number is less likeable than that of the first track.

Track Three: “The Bird and The Worm”
Instead of opening with a guitar riff, the Bird and the Worm has an unusual overall, and not just for The Used, beginning, with violin and piano meshing to create an appealing old-fashioned sound. In this number, McCracken’s vocals sound more similar to those throughout “In Love and Death”. Something that seems to be a trend is Howard’s backup vocals mixing well with McCracken’s lead vocals. The lyrics that Howard and McCracken sing contain very effective metaphors and imagery, comparing a man fearful of society to a worm (“He crawls like a worm from a bird”).

Track Four: “Earthquake”
The vocals are softened within this song, as are the sometimes bitter and consistently raw lyrics. The lyrics detail difficulties within a relationship, as illustrated by the line “Have I murdered our love?”, and the instrumentals and vocals sound sad and lonely as the lyrics beg the narrator’s partner to return.

Track Five: “Hospital”
The song “Hospital” has a very unique beat, as is enhanced by the remarkable drumming within this number. The sound and lyrics are very angst-filled throughout this song, a transition from “Earthquake”. The name of the album can be found within the lyrics of this nicely tuned song (“Save the lies for the liars”), and the lyrics also seem to be regarding the plight of a sick man, as would be expected in a song titled, “Hospital”.

Track Six: “Paralyzed”
Another old-fashioned, piano-incorporated sound fills the listeners ears in the beginning of this song. A unique jazz-like sound continues throughout the track as well. The vocals throughout “Paralyzed” mesh well with the sound of the instruments. Also, the guitar riff within the middle of the song is notably well-placed and well-written.

Track Seven: “With Me Tonight”
In this song, the vocals are strong and most noticeable. The lyrics and heartbroken and unique within the chorus. “With Me Tonight” is one of my favorite songs in the entirety of the album.

Track Eight: “Wake the Dead”
A mechanical-like beginning is followed by purposefully inconsistent and intriguing vocals. The guitar within this number is very noticeable, and the number is notable in that it is the angriest sounding song on the album. As for notable details, the song features female vocals.

Track Nine: “Find a Way”
“Find a Way” starts off spewing out random sounds at the listener and slowly transitioning into soft guitar and equally soft and sweet lyrics from McCracken. There is little instrumental throughout the song, and the number is a calm one for the usually hyper-active, angst-filled lyrics of The Used. This number is very emotionally intriguing.

Track Ten: “Liar Liar Burn in Hell”
The Used’s latest album seems to contain distinctive song-openings, and “Liar Liar Burn in Hell” is no exception to this observation, as it begins with the sound of ambulance sirens and another intense guitar riff. Vocalists throughout the chorus take on a shouting tone-probably to further express the rage conveyed by the issue-tackling lyrics. The lyrics in this number are also the most explicit ones throughout all of the songs on the highly-anticipated album. The ending of this song is also very unique. The song concludes with a line from a song most commonly sung by children, and which I am sure you will recognize-“Liar, liar, pants on fire, sitting on a telephone wire”.

Track Eleven: “Smother Me”
Another piano-incorporated beginning commences this song, which is similar to “Find A Way” in that the vocals an lyrics are soft and romantic, and the vocals are softer-toned. The ending song for the Used’s new album contrasts the ending song for their second album, which concluded with a song that could be lightly described as angry. The actual conclusion of the album and “Smother Me” is very different than any song the used has ever created, however-a rap-styled song that seems to be present just for laughs, as the only lyric in the song is “quesadilla”.

Be sure to purchase “Lies for the Liars” from The Used on May 22nd, 2007!

Track Listing
1. The Ripper
2. Pretty Handsome Awkward
3. The Bird And The Worm
4. Earthquake
5. Hospital
6. Paralyzed
7. With Me Tonight
8. Wake The Dead
9. Find A Way
10. Liar Liar (Burn In Hell)
11. Smother Me