From seemingly out of nowhere The Escape Engine have arrived upon the fertile New Jersey independent scene, yet in a matter of months these five musicians have caused quite a commotion including being one of the first additions to the recently formed Fidelity Records. Baring a post-hardcore sound that captures the eclecticism of At The Drive-In, the steadfast determination of Boysetsfire and the pop angst of The Used, this quintet's debut is a spastic collection of songs from one of emocore brightest young stars.

"Celebrity Role Model" is an intoxicating album that thrives on the aura of desperation that the music is drenched in. Whether surging forward with powerful indie rock or blundering amidst abrasive hardcore screams, The Escape Engine bring a sense of sullen despair to their surroundings. "Welcome To The Conversation" almost slits it's own throat with an overly upbeat pop/punk melody, yet quickly harvests from rich post-hardcore territory to find the right balance between energetic and emotional, as Dom Lettera's enigmatic screams bring weight to the proceedings. The outstanding poetic dexterity found here is startling, yet they gracefully craft intense post-punk tunes from the material with a natural ease, belying their short time together. The off-kilter piano/programming segue on "Transparent" is spectacular, and it is a shame that this is nothing more than a minute interlude as it certainly would have made for the album's best offering otherwise. It does however serve as an exemplary introduction to "Weapon Of Choice", a song littered with aggressive tones and a sing-a-long chorus that begs for multiple listens.

Taking into consideration that this is the band's debut album, the group do have their uneven moments, and admittedly their emo inclinations sometimes bring the record to a stand-still; Yet there still is a plethora of invigorating music to be found within. The group's influences are noticeable without becoming an overshadowing nuisance, allowing the band to deliver their own unique blend of screamo and avant-garde post-hardcore that bodes well for future outings. With a seemingly firm grasp on powerful songwriting that offers gritty bursts of snide punk bravado saturated with infectious pop hooks that entice the listener; "Celebrity Role Model" is a manic-depressive album of tremendous highs and gut-wrenching lows, and while the band still find themselves restricted by the genre they choose to inhabit, this is easily better than the vast majority of today's emo-tinged punk rock.