Record Label: S/R
Genre: Punk
Band Link: www.myspace.com/voiceofaddiction
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It’s hard to fault a punk band that cares about the planet, and it’s even harder to fault a punk band that injects a lot of flourishy musicianship, breakdowns, and multivocal harmonies. But as well-intentioned as they are – both musically and lyrically – this just isn’t very good.

The songwriting is ambitious for a punk band, but it’s also unfocused. In fact, the frequent time changes (usually on the slower side) make this album a serious drag. It’s strange – even with riffs ranging from power metal to Police-like syncopation (“Decision Street”) to eye-rolling ballad (“September Remembered” – ugh), the music just isn’t that engaging.

Same with the vocals: they use (maybe overuse) singalong choruses, and yet they’re missing an inherent catchiness that would make you want to join in. Maybe the problem is that they’re too down- and midtempo, or perhaps too cleancut and harmless. This band is missing something that is turning their call to arms into melted velveeta.

Bottom Line: Tighter execution with focus on short, memorable melodies would help a lot. As well as political lyrics that aren’t so contrived and corny.
Overall Rating: