Flaw emerged onto the hard rock scene in 2001 with little fanfare, and considering the influx of like-minded bands during the period few could find fault with audiences for just being too worn down to notice any particular act. After a healthy bout of touring and strong radio and video support, heads turned and Flaw’s debut, a somber opus entitled "Through The Eyes", became a modest hit, distancing the group from similar acts such as Onesidezero and Earshot. Now after a number of months where the group's name seemed to have vanished, this Louisville, KY quintet have returned, bringing with them "Endangered Species", a follow-up that adheres to the old “if it isn't broke, why fix it?” adage.

"Endangered Species”" finds Flaw back in the driver's seat as they continue down the road of pensive hard rock that first brought them attention on "Through The Eyes". Rather than drastically alter their moderately successful sound, the group have simply expanded on the architectural design of aggressive riffs underscored by sullen lyrical expression. What was once heavy has now become slightly heavier, and what was melodic has become more dynamic in scope. Vocalist Chris Volz remains the primary focus, and his melodious range propels each cut with determined sentimentality. The band have also sanded down the grating edge which the screams had once lacerated ears with, and this makes a more balanced album that fits into the mainstream rock formula without sounding forced. The only true weakness found here is that the overall package is a bit underwhelming, in large part due to the blurred similarity of the songs offered. As of such it is a record that pleases easily enough but may suffer from being overlooked, as there just isn't any specific element that leaps out and forces one's sole attention.

While it is refreshing to see a band strive to iron out the wrinkles in their musical wardrobe, this is clearly not an album that will win over listeners who passed on the bands debut. On the same token, for those who were drawn to Flaw's heartfelt hard rock approach, "Endangered Species" is likely to be a welcome continuation of ideas and atmospheric ideals. Given the style and pedigree, Flaw's sophomore bow is an acceptable hard rock morsel that unfortunately is left feeling like an appetizer to a main course that never quite makes it to the table. Still, these men have found a groove and show an apparent knack at creating likable radio rock, and as such it will be interesting to see if their breed of heavy alternative music will be protected as the endangered species it has become, or whether Flaw will just be the next extinct dodo of this post-“nu-metal” age.