In a move that may surprise devotees of the Hand of Hope Records roster, Miami's
DK Limb avoid most of their labelmates' dependence on modern punk and hardcore and pen surprisingly varied and pop-savvy rock tunes instead. Thanks to vocalist Christopher Liegerot's multiple voices, which run the gamut from coy falsettos to warbling croons to outright screaming (at times recalling the versatility of
Glassjaw singer Daryl Palumbo), songs like "What I Want vs. What I Need," "6 A.M.," and "Running Out of Time" boast impressive hooks, memorable choruses, and supple, space-filled arrangements -- not as many as perennial chart bands like
Hoobastank and
Fall Out Boy, perhaps, but check out the potential hit "Kisses on the Hand of Progress" for bittersweet melodies and far-out lyrics backed up by discreet dynamic tension, carefully sculpted out of
Incubus clay. Unfortunately, the band isn't as effective on the surprisingly tame title track, the meandering, unresolved "Don't Get Lost in Texas," or the overlong "The Montauk Project." The forgettable "Said and Done" wastes most of its energy on a rare descent into post-hardcore screaming but, as mentioned earlier,
DK Limb don't rely on these sounds nearly as much as most of the post-emo bands within their circle. Still, none but this album's first three tracks really pop with unique inspiration, which leaves
DK Limb with a clear mission of improvement for their next attempt. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia