Comeback Kid - Wake the Dead

A year ago, I really liked Comeback Kid. In fact, I came pretty close to death in an icy interstate accident coming back from one of their shows. They were good--entertaining, energetic, and while they weren't a band who commanded a lot of respect from the hardcore scene, they were still held to that genre. I thought 2003's Turn it Around was a great record, regardless of its appeal to "true" hardcore kids. I'm not sure what happened in the time between that record and Wake the Dead. I really don't have a clue. A label change doesn't seem like it would have much of an impact, especially when the label in question is Victory Records. But it's 2005 now, and I don't know why I'm not liking this record. I don't think my taste has changed that much. I'll still listen to the first album with no qualms. But Wake the Dead just isn't appealing. All the songs sound the same; it feels overproduced, and it's boring. I can't describe it in any other way. There's an overwhelming amount of what seem to be "forced" songs on the album. It's just more of the same. Hardcore breakdowns, metal-influenced guitar riffing, too many gang vocals that don't seem to fit well, and I'll reiterate the fact that all the songs sound alike. C'mon guys. I'm sitting here listening to what's supposed to be a hardcore record, and I'm on the verge of toppling over my desk and going into a boredom-induced slumber. The previous sentence should sum it all up. There are much better hardcore bands out there and much stronger material from this band. Pursue those instead. [www.comeback-kid.com]