An evening of bad decisions,
Static Radio NJ
It'd be quite easy to dismiss Static Radio NJ as purely the latest in a long line of bands from their area; surely a difficult place to establish yourself in such a genre with so many sprouts competing for your touring sunlight. But that's not seeing the wealth of variety which they're beginning to include in their output - a variety which may well ensure their longevity.
AEoBD feels a little heavier than what they were churning out when I reviewed them last year, but crucially it's got a little more purpose. It's angrier when it needs to be, but not at the expense of all else. Tracks like 'Bothered' (frighteningly vicious - of the best songs I've heard in recent months) and 'Statelines', which reminds of the early Crime in Stereo EPs, are literally bursting at the seams with the kind of energy you wish you could bottle. The change of pace in the former signals the most inclusively awesome point in the album: "We're all bothered. And I'm sick!" And it's delivered in such a way which has had me repeating that 30 seconds for the last 10 minutes.
One thing I'm not a fan of is the half-song intro on 'Fin' - sort of Social Distortion-like, but lacking the vocal conviction to make it worthwhile. The occasional mini-solo is used, but thankfully kept sidelined enough not to detract from the huge sound which defines SRNJ and so many like them.
It's easy to say 'listen to this if you like Lifetime', but we really need to move beyond that sort of thing. This is a reassuringly competent release which strengthens the band's growing reputation. All of you lucky bastards going to The Fest - make sure you give these guys the chance they deserve.
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