Reviews

This is decidedly a Lawrence Arms effort.  It sounds like them, it is written like them, and it is presented with the same unpretentious, slightly tongue in cheek style, from the lyrics, to the vocal melodies, right down to the packaging. There must be something in the water in chicago that pumps out good melodic hardcore bands.  TLA are one of the more melodic of the Chicago lineage, using more resolved chords and group background vocals than bands like 88 Fingers Louie or Rise Against.  They are energetic and loose sounding without being sloppy and simple without being boring. 
 
The lyrics are well-written and sung in either a high and scratchy or lower and clearer voice, often combining for loose vocal melodies, and always on tempo with the song which sometimes means going very fast.  What sets them apart is that they always seem to be giving it everything, their voices distorting with effort and blending into rougher tones, and although it often throws them well off key, the energy that comes through is completely worth it.  The guitars and bass are nothing new; they are fast, sloppy, and full of octave solos and percussion breakdowns.  It sounds a little messy because he often plays the full chord and not just the diminished fifth power chord, which also can add minor or seventh tones to change the feel of the song and distinguish their sound from other, tighter, more monotone or metal sounding projects like theirs. 
 
Overall, this is a good record, great to listen to while you are drinking and feeling a little sloppy yourself, and another accomplishment for the Chicago lineage.