Boston's snottiest metal-core practitioners return with an economical album packing plenty of fluid guitar punch. Yet the irreverence which once moved frontman Chris Doherty's mob to demolish Til Tuesday's "Voices Carry" remains proudly intact (although history does not record how their peers felt). "Eviction Party!" and "This Job Sucks" have no trouble upholding the brattiness of yore. However, neither does the band champion self-abuse for its own sake, as "Out on the Couch"'s bleary-eyed boozer makes plain. "I'll Worry About It Monday," "I Missed It," "Living in Oblivion," and "Accidental Overdose" issue similar admonitions to straighten out before self-destruction takes over. Still other songs warn against nursing grudges ("Death of the Party"), forgetting to communicate ("Don't You Know"), and sexual jealousy ("Tricked into Bed...Again"). The group also displays a serious political outlook on "6,000 Crucified Slaves" and a righteously angry rampage through Stiff Little Fingers' anti-British standard, "Suspect Device." The mood is crisp and economical, with few songs breaking the two-and-a-half-minute barrier. Musically speaking,
Gang Green remains grounded in hardcore punk, bolstered by the mile-a-minute leads typically associated with speed metal and effective use of tempo changes. Surprisingly subtle touches keep the music honest, such as the reggae break that pops up in "Hole (In the Road)." Former Neighborhoods guitarist/mainman David Minehan provides crucial production and playing assistance, while assorted cronies lend gang-style backing choruses as needed (yielding a lengthy credit list that would do any award-presenter proud). This is
Gang Green's most accomplished effort; where they go from here will be interesting to watch. ~ Ralph Heibutzki