Pistol Grip have a tight and infectious approach to punk rock. While it's not jagged enough to recall forefathers such as the Sex Pistols or the Clash, it is definitely far removed from the corporate punk bands such as A New Found Glory or Good Charlotte. This is quite apparent on the piston-like "When the Ink Runs Dry," which recalls a great yet tamer Social Distortion or Green Day tune. The guitar weaving of both Chris and Hollywood are strong on this nearly two-minute gem. Slightly more aggressive is the fine "...For I Have Sinned" as lead singer Stax delivers the lyrics like a cross between Bad Religion's Greg Graffin and Joe Strummer. However, it is tempered slightly with ordinary, routine singalong punk ditties such as "Never B Another" and the bass-driven "Give In." Pistol Grip regain themselves with the lovely, polished and frantic "Rusted Lining," and the hell-raising "Dog in Prague" that opens like Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" on high-speed dubbing. A bluesy Delta riff lays the groundwork for "Stained and Destructed" although it doesn't quite take off the way it should. Other good but not great tunes include the one-two punch of "Can't Keep Us Silent," and the more pleasing and rambunctious "Word of Mouth" which recalls the Chords. An acoustic offering entitled "Closing Time" sounds like filler and average at best. A stronger closing "Lead the Way" makes this a generally very good album. ~ Jason MacNeil, Rovi
