When sifting through the throngs of independent groups that fuse emo and hardcore styles, a band that has somehow found themselves overlooked are Align. While these men have garnered critical acclaim and fan acceptance in the Midwest, they seem to still go unnoticed by the masses. This is an unfortunate circumstance considering the quality of their past efforts, yet "Blue Book Value" may offer Align their day in the sun. Resembling the very best from cult icons Helmet and Quicksand yet adhering to their own patented formula, Align have fashioned an album that builds on all their strengths and corrects errors made in the past with a keen vision of what the future shall bring.

The dedication that radiates from every crevice of this album is a bit off-setting, as it sweeps you off your feet with pure emotion. It's rare to come across a band this enamored by their love of music, yet Align feed from this creative drive and allow themselves to excel at writing songs that are inherently poppy without abandoning the passion and depth that has fueled the group since their inception. Align sow their oats on both sides of the indie fence, churning out caustic hardcore/punk on the explosive opener "Lost On The Ten" and the vitriolic "Never Less Than Once Removed", while exploring more introspective terrain with emotional subtleties on "Dressed Down To Home" and "The Julien Calendar". Each member is also allowed to shine, creating an album that rarely falters but always intrigues, whether it be through Matt Roesch's enthusiastic drum technique or Jeremy Jessen's dynamic range on the mic.

It is perplexing that fame has eluded Align, as with "Blue Book Value" these Minnesota sons have yet again proven their prowess with pen and instrument alike. The group's innate ability to assemble hit songs and coat them with indie credibility is phenomenal, and there are scant few that use hooks to such an astonishing effect. This album is alarmingly accessible yet retains the fierce edge that distances Align from the multitudes of emocore hopefuls that saturate the independent scene. "Blue Book Value" documents one of indie rock's best at the peak of their careers and one has to believe that an album as powerful as this will be the catalyst for mainstream awareness. A group of Align's caliber can only remain a secret for so long, and with their continued solidarity as a band, nurturing their own distinct sound over the past 6 years while avoiding trends, it is about time for this secret to become common knowledge.