Brand New — Daisy

Brand New have showed us they have no interest in doing anything traditionally associated with alternative rock since 2003's Deja Entendu. They don't play encores in their live shows, and some kids see that as snobby. Truthfully, they're better than most emo bands out there and they know it.

The Long Island, N.Y. band set out to make Daisy, their fourth record, more progressive that any of its predecessors. It continues where 2006's The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me left off, and turns up the volume just enough to keep listeners guessing as to what's going to happen next. It may not be Brand New's best album, but it's definitely their most reckless and, as a result, surprising.

"Sink" flirts with some country twang before turning into an unpredictable demolition derby, while "Gasoline" brings twisted haunted house noises into the mix.

Of course, this wouldn't be a Brand New album without a few catchy songs featuring clean guitar hooks and singalong choruses. Tracks like "At The Bottom," "Bought A Bride" and "You Stole" fill that role nicely, ensuring fans of the band's earlier work will not be disappointed.

One could argue Daisy is too much like Devil And God. It's a fair comparison, but Daisy is definitely the more challenging record. All the despair, anguish and pain coming through the lyrics on tunes like "Bed" and "Noro" will take a few listens to soak in, which is exactly what the band intend. You'll remember Daisy long after the last spine-chilling chord has finished echoing into the dark.

If this band is new to you, I'd definitely recommend starting with Deja Entendu. That record is like a fun, cute, little puppy, while Daisy is more like a male silverback gorilla: loud, dirty and mostly just straight-up crazy.

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