parts of my bicycle are made of chrome – this quartet has some quality songs, but the style seems to run the gamut, from straightforward emocore pop in the vein of jimmy eat world to an underlying punk attitude on many numbers. “lifeboat” as well as “chelsea” have some rancid overtones to them in their confrontational delivery of them. “empty introduction” is indicative of the cumbersome problems that rear their small but ugly head, a nice introduction which switches instantly into a nu metal configuration. when the band does find their mark, it’s a very positive result, with the rock of “bufferless” infectious in its tone and gentleness. inspired by some rock deities, the group tends to get much tighter musically and lyrically as the album progresses. “california” and “rotten life” give a shot in the sonic arm, while “everything pales” makes everything else within pale by comparison. the group delves into many areas, but a decent if not entirely remarkable recording is the end result. (all music guide)

parts of my bicycle are made of chrome – taggart’s swaggering debut is a melodic mixture of emo, garage, punk, and alternative that’s just one hit song away from a commercial breakthrough. poignant, rowdy, melancholy, and reckless, this philadelphia quartet weaves strong pop hooks into thick guitar-driven arrangements and peppers them with occasional keyboard motifs and vocal harmonies that skim the surface of the beach boys and beatles. though each member sings from the bottom of a shot glass, the band is able to morph into a myriad of contrasting styles with relative ease as evidenced by the americana twist of “chelsea” and “final chapter” and the artsy intro to “empty introduction”. the disc’s two overt love songs, “rotten life”, a diatribe aimed at a blue-haired goth girl, and ‘california”, a breezy eagles-like driven song, ooze with vitriolic charm. a fine record for jilted lovers and intellectual drinkers. (amplifier)