Album Reviews

It hardly ever happens that a band drops a new album before I had enough of the last one but shit, I’m still listening to 2011’s “Not Like This” on a regular basis and just can’t seem to get enough of it.“The Constant One” is the name of Iron Chic’s new album and the title definitely covers the load here. We get more of what we’ve come to love about these guys. More brilliant mid-tempo punk tunes that come with more pounding drums that make you want to slam into the person next to you while more pop-charged guitars inspire dancing and more sing-along parts will have you shouting from the top of your lungs. All this is strung together by more guitar feedback and more audio samples. In some cases more of the same might be a bad thing. In Iron Chic’s case however this is exactly what we wanted. And more.

Vocalist Jason Lubrano attacks every song with his gruff vocals and bittersweet heart-on-sleeve type lyrics that tackle everything from friendship to trying to find your way while being worn down by life. Along with Phil Douglas’ riffs, it creates an atmosphere that makes you feel part of something bigger, especially when the gang vocals kick in. Throw in a Gin Blossoms reference (“True Miserable Experience”), add guest vocals by RVIVR’s Erica Freas (“Don’t Drive Angry”) and drop a shitload of catchy choruses and solid hooks in there and you’re looking at what is easily one of this year’s best punkrock albums.