The Blood Brothers

I'm not sure how Jordan Blilie and Johnny Whitney do it. It's been three records now, and neither have acquired throat problems, while the guys from Keane and Snow Patrol somehow manage to go down like flies. Thankfully, the good guys are winning. Young Machetes sees the band moving in an even more melodic direction than Crimes, but it absolutely befits them. It's kind of funny that there's a band with two guys who scream relentlessly on top of songs that are more suited for a singer like Julian Casablancas. The apocalyptic "Set Fire To The Face On Fire" is the best opening track on any record this year. "You're The Dream Unicorn" rumbles with an intensity that hilariously betrays its title. But the band also take much-needed breathers on "Spit Shine Your Black Clouds" and "Street Wars, Exotic Foxholes." The latter half lags a tad, but not enough to detract from the record's overall awesomeness.