Reviewed by James Lidgett

The Canadian pop-punkers' latest is almost as good as it gets these days. In many ways, the sound of this album is everything that I personally loved about the '90s, the real era of the pop-punk record. Although very different to their previous album, Hawk Nelson have returned with a collection of songs with clear parity to Blink 182, New Found Glory and so many other such versatile bands. From the very beginning of this album you cannot help being moved by the pounding and uplifting energy of the first three tracks. This is real fist to the sky, shouty energy and is a demonstration of the vibe so many wish they could engender in their worship music. "Friend Like That" is reminiscent of Andrew WK's "Party Hard". As the album progresses, the riffs keep coming, the party keeps on rocking and although tempered with slower, "deeper", more inward looking and upward praising tracks, that same driven feeling runs throughout. Imagine your favourite teen movie soundtrack. This is better, with some witty lyrics and powerhouse rhythms to keep you dancing.

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.

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