Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony
Where 'Crimson' was a step in a newer, less stale approach; 'Agony and Irony' reveals the trio is all out of tricks, offering up a lackluster effort full of the same old chords and the same old song structures. As usual, the true standout feature of the trio are the excellent vocal performances from frontman Matt Skiba and bassist Dan Andriano. Most of the songs pass because of their often impeccable teamwork. 'Agony and Irony' truly demonstrates why punk rock is dead: a child could play these songs. Bland guitar riffs, boring bass work, and no-frills drumming ruin what could of been a very solid effort. Bands should progress, essentially; but Alkaline Trio takes steps back. Check out 'Goddmanit', 'Crimson', or 'Here to Infirmary' (not in particular order) instead to get a taste of Alkaline Trio's true creativity. (Review by Scott Anders)

Chemical Brothers - Brotherhood
Boring from start to finish, "Brotherhood" misses the mark, offering a lethargic collection of washed-up, used before beats. The creativity is very low on this record and quickly bores, featuring a menagerie of sloth like tempos and blips and bloops that distract and add nothing to the overall picture. I ended up skipping through many of the songs, most culminating in layered noise and beginner-simple melodies that build and build and burn out. The Chemical Brothers are lazy and offer nothing of interest on this album. This is not the album that this genre deserves. (Review by Scott Anders)

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Death Cab for Cutie's new outing is at first puzzling, andat length a joy to listen to. Masters of the simple melody, Death Cab set out to do something a little different this time around, most notably, taking decidedly darker tone. Everything on this album is on point; all the instruments have their own unique vibe (The guitars contrast beautifully on a great deal of the album). This is exactly what needed to come out from Death Cab; a raw, powerful album to further their musical prowess and status in the music scene. The album is not perfect, and may in fact turn some fans away with its somewhat abrasive sound. There are a few songs that fall flat ('Talking Bird' and 'The Ice is Getting Thinner' lack the quality of the rest of the material), but overall this is a very catchy and heartfelt album. Bottom Line: 'Narrow Stairs' is a solid effort from an established rock 'n roll band with loads of talent and important things to say; well done. (Review by Scott Anders)

Frank Smith - Chasing Chances
Frank Smith showcases a considerable amount of talent in the genre of contemporary or “smooth” jazz, but in the end it resembles the calculated, robotic emotion heard on the Weather Channel. (Review by J. Kyle Broyles)

Muse - H.A.A.R.P. (w/ DVD)
As a CD, "H.A.A.R.P." holds its own but does not shine in the areas of mixing or tone quality (the crowd is boosted beyond what is necessary, and the bass is nearly lost in the equation), however, the DVD makes up for it by providing ample concert coverage. Muse is one of my very favorites, mainly because they kick major *** live. Although the CD doesn't sound top notch, it is a worthy addition to any Muse fans' collection. Pick 'er up! (Review by Scott Anders)

Norma Jean vs. the Anti-Mother
Norma Jean returns with another blistering melodic effort that follows in the footsteps as their previous album, Redeemer. It should be noted that if you've never heard this band before, you may enjoy The Anti Mother. If you're a Norma Jean fan basing The Anti Mother to their earlier records, then results may vary. Fans of Redeemer shouldn't have a hard time getting into this as it is less chaotic than their earlier releases. Songs like "Self Employed Chemist" could have easily been left over from the Redeemer recording sessions. "Other tracks like the opener, "Vipers, Snakes, and Actors" blend both early days and the current direction the band is treading. "Birth of the Anti Mother" takes the listener back to the O God, the Aftermath days. Norma Jean still seems confused musically as to what direction they want to go in. 1 more release should determine whether this band will sink or swim. (Review by Bryce Baldwin)

Tokio Hotel - Scream
This is a disgrace to popular music, plain and simple. This is bland, boring, worthless radio rock performed by four middle-schoolers (with one dressing in drag) and an army of producers and songwriters; this album SCREAMS (pun intended) total sell out rock. My hope for Americas' youth dwindles after seeing Tokio Hotel take the top spot on many a TV video countdown. Do people really vote for this?? Have we raised child robots that ingest everything that comes along their path?? Hope dwindles. Throw this CD in the garbage and give Tokio Hotel back to Germany. Please :( for my sanity's sake. (Review by Scott Anders)