The Bronx — The Bronx

It's always strange when a band give their sound a complete overhaul. Sometimes it's a natural progression that befits them, but more often than not, key elements of their sound get watered down. The Bronx's sophomore album falls perilously close to the latter, though it's saved by their innate ability to rock. It starts off strong with "Small Stone," which sets the record up for a hardcore onslaught, but later tracks like "Oceans Of Class" would sit more comfortably on a Danko Jones record. The cock rock approach works and even excels in some places. However, when singer Matt Caughthran mumbles, "We sold our souls for gold," on "Safe Passage," it's a little too obvious to be metaphorical.