Lawrence Arms flex their musical might

By Eric Jaen
Collegian Staff
March 22, 2006

Over the years, the city of Chicago has made numerous contributions to pop culture in the field of music. Well known for its Chicago blues, soul, jazz and gospel, it has also been the birthplace for many popular alternative, rock and punk artists. Bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Alkaline Trio, Fall Out Boy and Rise Against all call The Windy City home.

Featuring ex-members of Slapstick and The Broadways, 1999 saw the formation of three Chi-town natives known to the world as The Lawrence Arms. With a total of four proper releases between Asian Man Records and Fat Wreck Chords under their belt, as well a B-Sides album released last summer, they quickly became one of the most respected and well-liked bands in the genre. Following the release of Cocktails and Dreams in 2005, The Lawrence Arms return yet again with Oh! Calcutta!, providing more crunch than a Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Oh! Calcutta! kicks off with the first single, “The Devil’s Takin’ Names.” This romper-stomper serves as the perfect intro track for the album as the aggressive voice of vocalist Brendan Kelly sings the inviting lyrics of, “Shall we dance? Or maybe just limp around?” The song also features vocals from drummer Neil “Tennessee” Hennessy and co-vocalist Chris McCaughan. Instantly, fans will notice McCaughan’s new slightly off-key, yet smoother and relaxed vocals, which make for the perfect compliment to Kelly’s voice.

“Cut It Up” and “Great Lakes/Great Escapes,” continue the trend of a darker, rawer and more aggressive Lawrence Arms when compared to previous releases. Long time fans need not worry, as they still provide all the catchy hooks and melodies worth singing along to. “Recovering The Opposable Thumb” delivers a roaring guitar and vocal attack more than capable of blowing out eardrums. Armed with the necessary fist-pumping chant of “Hey!” and clever lyrics, the track entitled, “Beyond The Embarrassing Style” will become a live show favorite for fans.

Listeners will hear a sound more reminiscent of Apathy and Exhaustion and The Greatest Story Every Told with “Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, God.” Its catchy guitars and drum beats will get heads bobbing to this emotional track that best exemplifies Kelly and McCaughan’s ability to crisply execute their dual vocal attack. Don’t be surprised when you find the outro, “Believe me when I say I’m not afraid of destruction, sorrow, fear or regret. I’ve heard the devil call me by my name” stuck in your head for days. Similarly, “Lose Your Illusion 1” has potential become a poppy punk rock classic suitable for a summer time mix tape.

The soulful, mid-tempo jam, “Jump The Shark,” shows that The Lawrence Arms can manage to write without the standard fast beat, rock out formula. On the other hand, the group doesn’t mess around with “Key To The City,” and its blistering verses and choruses of “These Midwest eyes are dead tonight, this demon smile is aching to explode” will leave even demonic pro-wrestler The Undertaker crying in his tights.

Oh! Calcutta! ends with an upbeat sing-a-long entitled, “Like a Record Player.” It seems to be an odd choice for a closer and would have probably fit better towards the middle of the record, but a solid track nonetheless. As a bonus, fans are in for a treat with a hidden track.

There is no doubt that The Lawrence Arms take the World Heavyweight Title Belt with Oh! Calcutta!. While it is unlikely that this brand of straightforward melodic punk rock will work its way onto the radio, the beautiful melodies, driving vocals and well-written lyrics are sure to please old fans and win over new ones. Oh! Calcutta! is sure to give fans of Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker and Dillinger Four something to sink their teeth into.

jaene1@lasalle.edu