The Art Of Drowning
You want music that is loud, fast, and heavy?The Art of Drowningdelivers on all three fronts. Songs like "Ever and a Day" and "The Days of the Phoenix" sound like a crunchy, no-nonsense cross between the joyful minimalism of theVandalsand heavier hardcore outfits such asSick of It Alland theCro-Mags. Davey Havok's vocals are impassioned, focused, and undeniably sincere. Newest members Hunter (The Force) and Jade Puget (ex-Redemption 87), meanwhile, contribute to the album's dark intensity.The Art of Drowningis harder thanBlack Sails in the Sunset(1999), and all the better for it.--Jerry Thackray