At The Drive-In's major label debut arrives amid a substantial amount of buzz, due to the fact it was produced by none other than Ross Robinson and the other that the band is being hailed as the new millenniums Jane's Addiction. The groups amped version of chaotic emocore is indeed invigorating and bare bones, yet is by no means bland as it comes filled with outlandish melody and energy. There's not many acts who could easily be compared to this band, although there are some slight similarities to acts like Glassjaw and Silent Majority.

Vocals teeter on the brink of a nervous breakdown at times, recklessly belting out intricate lyrical structures that focus on content that seemingly doesn't make much sense on the surface. Melodic and tame if necessary while spastic and agitated at others, the performance captured here is both visceral and touching in an offbeat way with a jittery charm. There's no hardcore posturing or forced screams laid out here, instead the verbal direction taken is quite natural and feels traditional to what could be expected of a band that is based in emo styled music, minus the frenzied delivery in which the words are strung together. Guitars are edgy and feature a crisp distortion that slices out squealing riffs that match the vocals unbridled intensity by using gruff power chords and screeching high fret work. Some tripped out effects are tackled now and then and a skeletal playing style is achieved by using very few overdubs which in turns ends up making the music easily connect with the listener by having a live sounding flavor. Bass is loosely implemented and exhibits a surprising range, shooting forward with rapid plucks and large roomy basslines that are animated with an ambitious technique. Meanwhile, drums are spastic and stray from the norm with offbeat patterns that demand attention and direct the songs momentum, kicking and trashing with impressive rolls and ample amounts of breathing room.

This CD does indeed live up to the hype bestowed upon it, and the music contained within effortlessly sounds fresh and revitalized. It's straight forward dynamics and dense layering of ethereal ambient sounds creates a brilliant palette of auditory intricacies that slowly soak in and the pairing of it with the trademark Robinson production ensures a raw gritty feel that captures the band in a pure form with no sugar coating or sloppily coated gloss. Despite all this though, there is no doubt that this band will definitely have audiences divided down the middle either loving it or hating it. The material they have given birth to is highly progressive and takes things to a new plateau and a plateau where many are not yet ready to jump. Even though this may be the case, At The Drive-In manage to impress as they pour loads of naked emotion into their vibrantly inspiring songwriting that is both upbeat and wrapped tightly with a stripped down charm. With all this going for them and more, this record should have no problem adding new followers to their already staunchly loyal fan base and although they may not turn out to be the "next big thing" as many of the industry have pegged them, the fact still stands that they have made a timeless album that will captivate the interest of many who appreciate music that doesn't stay within the lines.
(4.5 / 5)