The lighter side of rock

Despite the acquisition of new guitarist Ryan Mendez, it is not his play which distinguishes this new release from the Yellowcard's prior albums. Rather, it is the fact that nine out of the 14 tracks on Lights and Sounds feature string parts, each one written by utility bandsman Sean Mackey. The violins, violas and cellos proudly outline Yellowcard's solid core, but likely wear out their welcome in the ears of many rock purists. \nThe album's intro is a slightly out-of-place piano/orchestral tidbit which lasts a minute and a half. Then arrives the power pop, which is Yellowcard's expertise, with the titled track and current single.\nOn the three minute, 30 second "Lights and Sounds," the initial rough energetic punk-guitar pattern sounds like Goldfinger-meets-Queens of the Stone Age, and brilliantly builds up to vocalist Ryan Key's pointed entrance. As Key delivers confrontational lyrics and an infectious chorus, this track seems destined for radio success.\nThe majority of the album is composed of power pop numbers with strings entering somewhere around the second chorus. It's a bit top-heavy, as tracks two through six offer the strongest 20 minutes on the disc. "Sure Thing Falling," is the album's strongest point, a catchy anthem devoid of strings. This near four minute track has a well-produced pop structure, complete with an infectious, singable chorus with a delicious chord change. \nThe next song, "City of Devils," a catharsis focused on the band's So-Cal home of five years, opens with a well-placed and stylish mandolin part provided by Sean Mackin. Longineu Parsons then pounds out a sneakily poignant and finely-nuanced drum beat, leading the listener through a misery-ridden tale, declaring "It's hard to find angels in Hell." \n On "Two Years From Twenty," rather than simply accounting a breakup, the song tells a tragic, fictional tale of a young man whose most logical career option was to enlist in the military, a move which seals his tragic fate. The track's jazzy chords and varied phrasing are unique amongst the album, and the words "There's still no shame / From the man to blame," (presumably about Bush) are inciting. \n"How I Go" is a ballad, with unfortunately vague lyrics, narrated from the perspective of an aging father professing his care for his son. It is the only track to feature strings as early as the first verse, and also uniquely opens with an acoustic guitar. \nThe consistency of Lights and Sounds will appease all Yellowcard fans, and its diverse musicianship may just gain the band some new support.