Implementing live instruments instead of looped samples or beats -- and helmed by the quick tongue of MC
Travis McCoy
-- there's really no denying the enjoyable affair that is
Gym Class Heroes
'
As Cruel as School Children
. Launching with the booty-shaking
"The Queen and I,"
the Heroes
prove straightaway that they've got enough confidence, catchy rhythms, and sense of melody amid all their tight grooves and
emo
hipster instincts to keep things moving right along. Being a
hip-hop
outfit largely residing in the world of
the Warped Tour
, it somehow makes sense that
Arrested Development
's
Speech
makes an appearance (
"Biters Block"
) alongside guys like
William Beckett
from
the Academy Is...
(
"7 Weeks"
) and
Fall Out Boy
Patrick Stump
(on the eccentric
"Clothes Off!"
). But while this combination of influences largely works to
' musical advantage and overall appeal, there's still something that makes their music seem not quite like a novelty and more like a fleeting pleasure. How long can a song based on Myspace relationships (
"New Friend Request"
) really last before lines like "My man Tom introduced us but I was too shy to say hi" or "I never see my face in your Top 8" become more annoying than witty? And even if hitting topics like the life of a touring band and calling out fake, trendy music is relevant, by now it just seems more a cliche. The band's sincerity isn't in question and
are a talented crew. But ultimately, it's this standard spring of inspiration that keeps
from being much else than a perfect hangout record for summer 2006. ~ Corey Apar