Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Down the years Norma Jean have modified their sound integrating more flow and melodic structure into their style and in the process making some of the most satisfying and inventive rock ever to get major airplay. New members Jeff Hickey on guitar, John Finnegan on bass and Clayton Holyoak on drums means that guitarist Cory Brendan Putman is the only original band member left but as Cory has really come into his own as a vocalist that isn't a problem. There are plenty of standouts here: "Hive Minds" features crepuscular tones, swirling guitar and a slow drum pattern pounding in the foreground before launching into an ensemble onslaught over which Brendon's tortured howl soars. Equally powerful is "If You Got It At Five, You Got It At Fifty" which careers along like a runaway train. Another gem is "Sword In Mouth, Fire Eyes" which builds in complexity and manages to get heavier and heavier as the song progresses. If you enjoy music full of dissonant guitars, breakdowns and vocals which seem to be wrenched from the depths you'll find 'Wrongdoers' up there with the band's very best albums.

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