Album Review: House Vs Hurricane - Crooked Teeth

A few years back this Melbourne melodic metalcore mob were pegged for major things. It didn't quite work out that way with debut LP, Perspectives, and ensuing lineup shifts, but the buzz surrounding their follow-up seems indicative of a band willing and able to hit paydirt from the second chance afforded them.

Locally The Amity Affliction and Dream On, Dreamer appeared to have the more melodic take on this style sewn up, but this quintet is making a serious play for their title. There are stylistic similarities to both on Crooked Teeth too, notably the clean singing. Overseas counterparts A Day To Remember and Every Time I Die also filter through. House Vs Hurricane don't deviate much from the familiar, electro-ballad Bare Bones and more rock-oriented Moon Shine among the few strays from the dissonant, mosh-friendly formula. Keyboards are used more sparingly and guitar effects given greater prominence, the production's cleaner than a school dormitory on inspection day and new harsh vocalist Dan Casey makes his presence known early, roaring “Rise and shine!” on Blood Knuckles.

Although not as progressive as some have suggested, infectious pop/punk hooks during Big Trouble, Lost World and Headcold deliver. Get Wrecked contains a pit challenge sure to be answered in earnest on a nightly basis and Haters Gonna Hate baits detractors.

Without seeking to pigeonhole, many devotees of this fare don't care about descriptors such as “formula” or “predictable”. They seek beefy breakdowns to unleash their inner pit ninja to and soaring melodies to passionately belt out. Crooked Teeth meets its quota in that respect and on that score alone should be a resounding success.