Out of the waiting room

Screamo sucks. The genre is filled with overdramatic acts that like to wear makeup and talk about headstones.

Luckily, this once-trendy genre is going by the wayside. Yet one of the most visible screamo bands Senses Fail has slowly turned themselves into a respectable rock band. Their last effort Still Searching was light on awful lyrics and heavy on variety, and their new album Life Is Not a Waiting Room only furthers that sound.

Senses Fail aren’t going to be heralded for their creativity, but their ability to combine the punishing and the melodic leads to an enjoyable listen. Sometimes the lyrics here are still a bit lame, but vocalist Buddy Nielsen’s improved delivery makes up for it.

Even though many bands claim it, this record is in fact heavier and catchier than Senses Fail’s previous release. They seem to be able to write bigger and better hooks than some pop-punk groups.

“Family Tradition” is powered by tremendous guitar work from Garrett Zablocki and Heath Saraceno and a soaring gang vocal-tinged chorus.

“Hair of the Dog” is similar, but includes some of Nielsen’s best lyrics. Throughout the track he diagnoses his battle with alcoholism with lines like “I need a drink today / To take to me through the day / Sometimes I lie awake and think of my mistakes.”

Nevertheless, there are songs for longtime fans looking for more heavier content.

“Wolves at the Door” and “Lungs Like Gallows” both include double kickdrum power, chugging guitars and Nielsen’s refined (and less annoying) scream. However, even the more thunderous affairs include melody-heavy choruses.

Senses Fail aren’t the same band they once were, but that’s a good thing. Life Is Not a Waiting Room is full of solid songs that any fans of melodic rock should enjoy and should get the band out of the waiting room and into the mainstream consciousness.