Give Up the Ghost was formerly known as
American Nightmare, and
We're Down Til We're Underground is the first album of original material under the band's new name. Although there was a name change, the style of music hasn't altered, as the band still plays fast, straight-ahead hardcore music. The first and last songs on the album show the band at its most creative, playing ambient rock material, far from the chaos of hardcore punk music. In between, vocalist Wes Eisold's lyrics are continuing their biting, honest traits while the bass is turned up thick and heavy in the mix, helping to drive each and every song. There has definitely been growth for the band -- both artistically and personally -- through the course of its career, and
We're Down Til We're Underground shows that. However, it seems as though the band is still stuck in the stereotypical Boston-styled hardcore in many regards. There are times when the band could flesh out the sound and yet doesn't seem to take the opportunities. Instead, they pull back into circle pit beats and redundant vocal tones. Nonetheless, with an occasional hook here and there and some hints of melody on the album, it seems that
Give Up the Ghost is certainly headed in the right direction.