Love In October – Pontus, the Devil, and Me

In front of a mix background of city buildings and trees, a man is carrying a baby elephant with a bird perched on its head. Pink, white, black and red dominate the cover of part Swedish- part Minneapolis bandLove in October’s sophomore album Pontus, the Devil, and Me. Sadly, the only thing I liked about this album was the graphic design. Even though this band wants to be known for exploring a myriad of art mediums as stated on their bio on their official site, I have to limit myself to writing a music review and not a review based on their multimedia work. Pontus, the Devil, and Me falls flat as a record because of its generic qualities.

Opening track “Circa 1989” features pop punk guitars and a melody that verges on irritating because of its repetitiveness. “A Day in the Life Of” could have been written and performed by any band that busted into the mainstream in the early ‘00s. Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Simple Plan— you name it. Any of those bands could have played that song better. Even Good Charlotte. Between lyrics such as, “step back, back to the better years/ when we, we were never like this/ Now we, we do this all the time…” instrumental interludes transition from verse to chorus. The only interesting part of this song is the C section. The guitars play what sounds like a downward spiral while the drums escalate with intensity, until the song anti-climactically gets back on its saccharine course. One of the most predictable songs on the album, “Method to Madness” is the anthem of every high school rocker. With lyrics about leaving town, playing weekend gigs and love, nothing stands out on this song as original content. The only notable aspect of “Method to Madness” is that it will make the perfect love song for a few myspace profiles.

Surprisingly, Pontus, the Devil, and Me has a few gems. One of the least annoying songs on this debut is also the grittiest. “Viva la Revolución” features attention grabbing guitar and bass while the drums play dance beats. Despite my lack of understanding Swedish, “Vi Går Till Stranden” is the most sincere sounding song. “Petrula the Destroyer” adds to the closing of the album and is the best song. Beginning with the bass octaves of a piano, this is the only memorable song on Pontus. The guitar melody is catchy pop done right without being overdone or used excessively like “Circa 1989.”

Even though the album has a few high points, as a whole Pontus has nothing extraordinary to offer. The musicianship is consistent and phenomenal, but the problem lies in Love in October sounding more like a studio band playing pop-punk. Like the graphic design on the album, the music blends together. Everything but the last four tracks on this album is forgettable because of its formulaic sound and unoriginal lyrics. While the album cover may be eye candy, the music definitely doesn’t do anything for the ears.