builds on the -power-meets- -skills of 's debut, , and reveals the group to be, in many ways, a quintessential latter-day band. Not because they're redefining the style's sound, but because their music is defined by so many of 's nearly cliche tendencies. A gerund-led band name? Check. Cryptically bittersweet titles like ? Present and accounted for. Shouty, anthemic vocals, string-driven like and wordy, confessional lyrics ("Give me a chance? Whatever...you're so hit or miss, and that's so '93") are all in place as well. However, while might be more than a little (stereo)typical, it's not embarrassing; songs like and do have some real impact, and show some songwriting growth since . But since the band doesn't take the occasionally cringe-worthy risks of some of their brethren, sometimes comes off as less than distinctive, and the album can sound like a generic soundtrack to generic teenage angst; even though it's a nearly universal subject, it should never sound routine. is definitely a solid album -- especially considering that it was recorded so soon after half the band was replaced -- but crafting something a little more unique would take 's music that much farther. [ was released with a bonus CD of songs and videos from like-minded artists, including , , and .] ~ Heather Phares