Roation? Where?

Would it be trite to mention that the only feeling you will get from Cute Is What We Aim For’s latest release is indeed a cute, subtle and naive feeling? On the other hand, it is also ironic to note that Cute really shares no cuddly image as drama continuously surrounds the image of the band. Through yet another lineup change within the band and numerous reports of plagiarism and auto-tuning with their previous release, Rotation serves up as an album that begins right where the previous album, The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch, ended but with even more less-clever lyrics and stereotypical sounds.

Pathetic is only the beginning word of what can describe anyone that enjoys this music released from the label, Fueled By Ramen. Cute Is What We Aim For, or as MySpace junkies like to say “CIWWAF,” has transcended into the image and sadly one of the poster cuts of the new-aged boy band. This time, however, the quintet carries no good-looking features or signs of masculinity. You have your rebellious track, “Do What You Do,” your song of reflection, “Practice Makes Perfect” and the ever-popular, guitar-stricken love song, “Safe Ride.”

These songs along the other tracks carry no backbone and bring absolutely zero depth to the band. Rotation could arguably be the most cookie-cutter album full of useless analogies and hooks. There is nothing to be surprised about when a chorus sings “Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” (“Miss Sobriety”) or even as the beginning words are spoken, “I took the chemicals it took to make our chemistry,” (“Doctor”). And yes, they really do sing that.

So when it comes to discussing this latest release by Cute Is What We Aim For, there is really not much to say. Rotation is just another disc that is meant to drive 13-year-olds crazy as they sing lyrics that explain a night of dirty sex (“Navigate Me”). In fact, if lead singer Shaant Hacikyan could describe this album, he would say this latest release fails to budge from its already brittle foundation.