Head Automatica’s 2004 debut Decadence was a dance-rock extravaganza. For the follow-up, former Glassjaw frontman Daryl Polumbo has crafted an altogether poppier affair, full of Fall Out Boy-style harmonies, meaty riffs and powerful choruses.
With its lilting vocals and driving rhythms, lead single ‘Graduation Day’ sets the tone. There's a nod towards Joy Division yet the song’s pop flavours are clearly aimed at a high-school demographic raised on emo and soft metal.
Polumbo is obviously a fan of Green Day – ‘Lying Through Your Teeth’ would have been right at home on their Warning album. Elsewhere, ‘Laughing At You’ has an infectious melody and a strong vocal hook. A darker edge slips through on ‘Egyptian Musk’, which is captivating and sounds more like the Head Automatica of two years ago. It's one of the few occasions when Polumbo acknowledges his Glassjaw days. Otherwise, he seems happiest churning out accessible munchkin rock.