Album Review: The Men - New Moon

Album Rating: B

Is it just me or does it feel like it’s been five minutes since The Men’s last album came out? Really, it’s been almost exactly a year. That's not an unrealistically short time in which to come up with a new product, but certainly not long enough for any kind of complete artistic overhaul. I should mention, I suppose, that the band and I have had a rocky relationship. By that I mean I haven’t liked their work and they have no idea who I am. Save Crystal Castles’ low-seratonin dudfest, nothing in 2012 depressed me quite as much as ‘ol Open Your Heart. I mean, it was okay. Flat, idealess, derivative, dull, and very okay. From where I stood, it seemed like they had a long way to go. But here we are, a year later, and I must admit, I’ve underestimated The Men. New Moon, their third effort, is a tighter, brighter, more cohesive record than anything they’ve had their hands in before.

Album Review: The Men - Open Your Heart

Album Rating: B+

Truth be told, this year has thus far probably spawned as many disappointments as it has true successes, with even previously dependable sources proving prone to the odd blip. Hardcore stalwarts Ceremony are a prime example of such, with their new album Zoo joining the likes of Born To Die and Reign Of Terror among 2012's biggest let downs, and despite their stylistic differences, The Men's third LP draws plenty of parallels with that record. The key point of comparison is that both albums have seen the bands in question sacrifice much of the extremity which characterised their earlier work in favour of new, more accessible sounds, but while Zoo has had to bear the burnt of a mixed critical reception and sheer derision from fans, Open Your Heart sees The Men take strides which are as vital as they are bold, and should establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the modern punk scene.

New Muzik Monday (3/5/12)

Once I took a break from my constant rotation of John Talabot's record, it suddenly occurred to me what a great week this is for new releases. The return of a living legend, the latest from one of my favourite bands and fresh material from one of the most exciting punk bands around are just some of the reasons to be excited, while things are also looking rosy for the coming weeks, as evidenced by the taster track that I've included. It's started fairly slowly, but March looks certain to be the month in which 2012 finally kicks into gear.