Reviewed by Ewan Jones

What a debut! Tulsa-based Capital Lights rose from the ashes of screamo band afterEIGHT. Lead singer Bryson Philips says "...we've learned to really focus the writing on what you like rather than trying to be like all the other bands around. When we were doing the screamo thing, we were seeing other bands and trying to be just like them. But in Capital Lights, [we're] just being ourselves and playing 100 per cent exactly what we wanted." And thank goodness for that. Listening to 'This Is An Outrage' took me back to the moment I heard Switchfoot play "Chem 6a" or when Relient K broke out - the excitement of hearing a band who have a clear identity and faith; who are leaders, not followers. There is not a bad song on this album - every track is perfectly paced, thought out and performed. The lyrics are intelligent, witty and insightful. The hooks get embedded so far inside your head you'll need some sort of operation to get them out. Opening track "Outrage" kicks things off strongly, "Let The Little Lady Talk" is funky and a little darker, while "Mile Away" is a gorgeous ballad that still manages to pack in a daring amount of syllables a minute. "The Night Of Your Life Is When You Die" is clever and wise without being preachy. Anybody can be in a pop-punk band, but not just anybody can do something that stands tall in an overcrowded scene. Capital Lights are only at the start of their career but are already of such a high standard that they can confidently storm ahead of the competition and shame the old hands.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.