Few 'Flaws' in the music

Flaw returns with Endangered Species, its second album overseen by producer/mixer David Botrill of Tool and Mudvayne fame. Botrill shows his heavy hand by adding keys and a string arrangement to the softer "Wait For Me," which spans beyond balladry into the category of lullabys. Like many big-name artists, additional musicians trade the purity of the band for layers and details accentuating the music. \nThere is a definite change in Flaw's sound with new drummer Micah Havertape and the solo guitar of Lance Arny after the firing of guitarist Jason Daunt shortly after the first album.\nUnlike Through the Eyes, singer Chris Volz thanks his two children, talks less about spoiled romances and brings a wider range of lyrical content to the proceedings. \nEndangered Species takes on a lighter sound than Through the Eyes, which came out on Halloween Eve 2001. Flaw has replaced its heavy dose of dark and dreary anger with a lighter tone, which adds to its melodic side. "Medicate" and "You've Changed" provide the only glimpses of anger from this changed band. Adding to the melodic melancholy of Through the Eyes are the mellow and relaxing sounds featured in "Worlds Divide," which feels like a journey. The harder songs have less of a grunge/metal feel and more of a straight-up rock 'n' roll vibe as heard in "Worlds Divide" and "All the Worst."\nLike Creed and Disturbed before them, Flaw has shown maturity and musical growth after its first album, while still being able to rock hard. This, my friends, is a good thing.