The Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever Told

The time has come. It's time to take a look at the new album from my favorite band, The Lawrence Arms. To preface this review and get us on the same page: I basically worship anything Brendan Kelly is involved with. This Chicago trio sits perched on the second rung of one of punk-rock's most established and revered labels, Fat Wreck Chords, and The Greatest Story Ever Told is the group's fourth full-length, their second on the label. Their overall sound can be found somewhere between Dillinger Four and Jawbreaker, although they've managed to develop their own distinct style. Possibly one of the secrets for their success is the revolving vocal approach and contrasting songwriting styles of Kelly and guitarist Chris McCaughan. On all the odd-numbered tracks, The Greatest Story Ever Told showcases Kelly's raspy gnarl and the album's more aggressive side, which is chock full of satire, humor, and, of course, drinking. On the opposite end of the spectrum, guitarist Chris McCaughan adds a melancholy, laid-back, emotional spirit to the record. As far as melodic punk-rock goes, this is definitely the best this year has to offer. The aforementioned vocal variations remove any chance of boredom that standard punk records fall prey to, and The Lawrence Arms' ability to pen a confident, well-written tune has improved emphatically since last year's Apathy and Exhaustion. This album is by far their most sophisticated material to date. Crazy guitar solos, odd time signatures and angelic voices; you're not going to find this here. This album is pure, truly heartfelt, from-the-soul modern punk-rock at its best (see Kelly's "The Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure", for instance). After 25 times through this record, it has yet to become stale. It just doesn't seem like it's going to lose its charm. [www.thelawrencearms.net]