Brick by solid brick

If there is one thing that Ted Leo’s newest LP, “Brutalist Bricks” clarifies, it is that the man can still bring it. Leo has never been one to back down from provocative testimony or a high-strung sound, and “Brick” revitalizes only the best Leo memories.

The album’s backbone is one of high-energy guitar riffs and vocals that rely heavily on the punk influences that typify the early workings of the Pharmacists.

“The Might Sparrow” launches the album off the ground to passionate heights from which it doesn’t return. Leo’s ubiquitous passion is only outdone by the Pharmacists’ most diverse collection of instrumentation in a great while.

Two tracks that do not work however, are “Mourning in America” and “Tuberculoids Arrive in Hop.”  The former showcases Leo’s attempt at some more serious, difficult vocals with deeper tonal depth.

What results is a mish-mash of uncertain sounds that never quite get on track. The latter is simply all over the place; the listener is as uncertain what to make of the tune as the song itself is.

Overall however, “Bricks”  rides an overwhelming wave of musical nostalgia, erasing the slight recent missteps and gallantly reasserting Leo as an artist. While it might not be a crowning achievement, it is the kind of strong showing that many artists fail to produce at such a stage in their careers.