Yeah, I know, American Hi-Fi aren’t exactly punk. To be honest, they are about as punk as OPM and Crazy Town. Combined. But there is just something about this band and their punk-rock live shows. By all accounts they RAWK man. And this album shows plenty of promise.
OK, they are major label, which makes them corporate whores, but who gives a flying monkeys? It’s the songs that count, right? And ex-Veruca Salt sticksman Stacy Jones has plenty of songs up his sleeves. This CD shows plenty of promise. Think Foo Fighters with a pop twist, and a little punk-rock thrown in for good measure. Oh, and anyone who has seen the cheeky video for single ‘Flavour Of The Weak’ will know that this band have a penchant for 80’s hair metal… ho hum…
Anyway, the tunes. Opener ‘Surround’ is solid, yet unspectacular, before the classic ‘Flavour Of The Weak’ kicks in. OK, its a pop song. But I’m a killer for a good pop song, and this is as melodic and catchy as they come. Plus, it’s got one of the best guitar riffs I’ve heard in absolutely ages. And it pays homage to old-skool metal, whilst not becoming a parody of itself. I don’t care what anyone says, this is one of the songs of the year so far.
‘A Bigger Mood’ could never compare to its predecessor, but it starts with a pretty stomping riff. It actually sounds a little 3 Colours Red-ish. Which is no bad thing at all. And another catchy chorus. ‘Safer On The Outside‘ seems a bit familiar. Whispery opening vocals and folky strummed guitars soon give in to yet another catchy chorus. It will definetly be tugging on the heartstrings before too long.
‘I’m A Fool’ is yet another singalong anthem, complete with ‘doo-doo’s’ in the chorus. Simple, yet damn effective. Ok, if you like Ignite then you will hate this, but it’s so inoffensive and charming that it is hard to dislike. Songs that are perfect to drive to, or relax to after a hard day at the office.
‘Hi-Fi Killer’ sounds a bit Nirvana-ish actually. Just reminds me of ‘On A Plain.’ Then the chorus is very much like a rocking Feeder. With a hint of the Smashing Pumpkins. But don’t let that little lot put you off. ‘Blue Day’ is the first real letdown. It just never gets going, and is, well, boring. But six songs out of seven ain’t bad.
‘My Only Enemy’ is cool. Singer/guitarist Stacy Jones sounds pissed off, and it suits him. Its slow, brooding and kicks ass. Again, it’s not groundbreaking, but who cares. This is escapism people. ‘Don’t Wait For The Sun’ is bound to be a single. It was almost certainly written with radio in mind. Haunting vocals and lightly caressed guitar strumming. Not brilliant, but it is listenable.
‘Another Perfect Day’ is the second single and rightly so. A forgetable start, but the chorus is catchy as hell [I see a pattern developing here folks] and it just has that certain something which gets your foot tapping, and fingers clicking without you even noticing. ‘Scar’ kicks off with a huge metal sounding riff, before slightly mellowing out. Another catchy chorus, with this huge sound to it. A definite thums up to the production crew with this track.
‘What About Today’ is poppy. No doubt about that. Alternative rock at its most generic. Probably the only real filler track on the whole CD. Then album closer, ‘Wall Of Sound.’ Anybody expecting layers of squalid guitar feedback will certainly be very disappointed. Another ballad, which is slow to get moving and pretty boring. Inoffensive, but nothing memorable I’m afraid.
Ok, it has all been seen before. American Hi-Fi break no boundaries whatsoever, and most of these songs are safe chart-huggers that will burrow into your brain and have you singing along like a madman. But this is still a solid set of poptastic tunes that deserve to be amongst your CD collection.
If you fancy a change from the usual pop-punk tomfoolery, and you don’t mind the Foo Fighters, then you could do a lot worse than this lot.
Paul Savage