The Menzingers
Chamberlain Waits
Red Scare Records
8/10

Having previously enjoyed A Lesson in the abuse of Information Technology, I switched on The Menzingers’ new record with that mixed sense of excitement and trepidation you get when you like a band and don’t want to be let down by a dubious second album. With Chamberlain Waits you certainly aren’t disappointed. The raw and passionate sounds that are so evident in the first album are honed to brilliance, giving us track after track that is not only easy on the ears, but that makes your stomach flip.
For a moment I paused and doubted my positive appreciation in what I judged could be a similar sound between tracks. Somehow I feel that these guys have more to offer us, the thumping drumbeats and strong vocals abound in “Deep Sleeps” and “Chamberlain Waits” do contrast with the charms of “I was Born” but there is no doubt that the guys kicking out the tunes are a talented bunch. After a second listen I knew that my doubt was unfounded, and the vocals that conclude “Home Outgrown” stamped this track as a particular favorite among all those on the album.

If The Menzingers keep popping them out like this they will be a solid feature in my permanent playlist.

-Lisa Thompson