Album Review: Mayday Parade - Black Lines

Mayday Parade were once synonymous with the pop-punk scene of gross over-production, stupid haircuts and lensless glasses; thankfully they've taken a different direction leading into Black Lines, and it's made all the difference.

The much starker and almost emo result of Black Lines will alienate a number of their fans who'll likely not move past the first listen. Those who do, however, will experience a band unlocking their potential. Replacing a bubblegum sound with a darker and heavier style has given the band more freedom to bring in grittier and more energetic riffs with a stronger vocal line from Derek Sanders in the band's most dynamic recording so far.