Lima, Ohio's
Hit the Lights deliver a largely contagious, if not sometimes lyrically underdeveloped song cycle known as
This Is a Stick Up... Don't Make It a Murder. But if pop/punk is your bag, this Colin Ross-steered troupe will give you plenty of excuses to singalong. From the irresistible "Bodybag" to the addictive "Speakers Blown," these are anthems for MySpace-addled dudes and chicks. Early disciples might balk at
HTL's decision to recycle "Save Your Breath" and "These Backs Are Made for Stabbing," as well as the title track from their debut EP Until We Get Caught, but these Matt Squire (
Panic! At the Disco) produced versions are clean and mean. There are a few inadequacies (like the just-OK "One Hundred Times") in the midst of an otherwise fine disc, but the enthusiastic parting shot, "Make a Run for It," is sweet redemption. ~ John D. Luerssen