No, they're not going to change the world of pop music anytime soon. But when a band opens its album with a whirlwind of drum loops and crunchy, rhythmically ambiguous guitar, and then skids immediately into a blast of gritty pop-punk riffage and soaring harmonies, you can't help but like them. Anyone who really loves pop music knows that originality is overrated -- what matters is hooks, and
Bottom Line has those in spades. In multiples of spades, really. Some people say that these guys push the boundaries of pop-punk, but to all but the most discerning ears they're going to sound pretty much like pretty much all of the top-tier melodic punks out there. After "Nothing Is Real (As If It Ever Was)," the hooks just keep getting sharper, through "She Left Off" and "Follow Me," before dropping a bit in quality on the so-so "Blind." But then comes a curiosity, a weird little retro instrumental titled "Saddle Oxford"; horns make an appearance on the very nice "False Alarm," and another weird instrumental pops up again several tracks later. The album hits its zenith on the spectacular "This Far from a Fire." Dense and spiky guitars and tight, smooth harmonies keep everything sweet and crunchy throughout the album; it's a confection, yes, but a highly satisfying one. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson