Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: The Scene

Media Credit: takingbacksunday.com Taking Back Sunday comes roaring back in its third album, making up for their rather lackluster sophomore album, Where You Want to Be.

With the release of its new album Louder Now, Taking Back Sunday brought its infectious brand of hardcore pop-punk up a notch with a higher quality and more energetic sound.

Loaded with rock-tinged guitar, catchy and repetitive lyrics, and singer Adam Lazzara's piercing and emotional voice, Louder Now is a step in the right direction for the Amityville, New York band.

After its 2004 album, Where You Want to Be, failed to live up to its popular 2002 debut, Tell All Your Friends, fans were left wanting more, and they get more with Louder Now. Louder Now marks the band's major label debut with Warner Records, and the fact that it was working with a major label shows on the album. Louder Now reflects an ambition that was lost in Where You Want to Be.

In this album,Taking Back Sunday returns back to its teeny-bop angst that had catapulted them to success before. The kind of teeny-bop anger that allowed them to ride the coattails of other bands like Saves the Day.

Working with a better production studio, the band was able to capture the energy from its power-packed live shows it has become known for. Highlights of the album include the hard-rocking "What's It Feel Like to Be a Ghost?" and "Make Damn Sure," and the catchy "Twenty-Twenty Surgery." Also, "Miami" is an infectious track reminiscent of the '80s pop-rock of The Cars and The Cure. Despite now being on a major label, Taking Back Sunday did not compromise its sound or style for this album. Although Louder Now does not quite measure up to the pop-tinged punk ballads of Tell All Your Friends, Taking Back Sunday was able to capture their live energy and form a platform for better music in the future.



Rating: 3/5 stars

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