Lagwagon – Resolve

In some ways, you could split the music community down the middle into two main categories. The first one comes in the form of the “one album wonder”. The band that has this one album, with that certain sound, that certain gimmick and that certain song which propels them to new heights. The band has that instant charm which makes everyone swoon for them. The run out and buy the album immediately. They then go and see them in the arena tour and a by the time the band releases their next album, you’ve forgotten all about them and don’t care any more.

Then there’s the second category. In this one, the band may not have that certain gimmick or that certain hook to propel them into the mainstream and help them sell out arenas, instead they are able to write continually strong songs and albums. Albums that take a few listens to before really understanding it and absorbing it all. And while these bands may not be able to sell millions of records, they are able to keep their fans happy for a long and lengthy career. And with each album they release, their fan base grows a little bigger without alienating their old fans. Lagwagon falls into this category.

The southern-californian band is back with their newest album, Resolve – where you get what you would expect to get from the pop-punkers. You can tell they’ve been in it for a while as you listen to the album. There isn’t one spot that makes the listener stop and go “what is this?” Instead, you get a fluent, steady album, full of very intelligent songs (particularly songs like Automatic, Runs In The Family and Sad Astronaut). You get Joey Cape’s signature boyish vocals throughout the entire album, which can be annoying at times, but the more you listen to it, you can appreciate the subtleties that only he can bring to the table.

There’s not much you can say about this album other than it’s Lagwagon through and through. Its a solid, catchy, fun, pop-punk album that all their fans will be able to enjoy – and many new ones too. They’re still having fun, and you know they’re no where near done yet.