OK I'll admit, even before placing the record into my CD player I was skeptical, the cover art is a riff on Wheel Of Fortune and the inside sleeve photo left the impression of a band who will probably be wearing baggy shorts long into their 40's. I was initially taken aback then by what greeted me when I pressed play, I expected glossy, monotonous pop-punk but in it's place I found glossy, monotonous MOR rock music..... I think I actually got a raw deal there.

Anyway onto the record itself. It's worth noting that the record was produced, recorded and designed by our very own Chris "MUG5" Maguire so I'm in danger of stepping on some toes here. However I'll call bad music out on even some of my closest friends and family members so I have absolutely no qualms about speaking my mind regarding Hot Topic and their folly.

All 4 tracks follow a very specific formula, uplifting power chords, powerful (though occasionally dull) vocals and vibrant, E-Street band piano work. With decent songs this formula could have resulted in a few harmless, enjoyable drive time radio rock songs (see The Hold Steady), however I am sorry to report that there is not even a fraction of a decent song amidst this sorry collection. The lyrics too are made up of stock quotes such as "take a look at my broken heart" and empty platitudes that feel forced and frequently embarrassing. It's professional sure, to the point almost that it tries to ram it's professionalism down your throat, but that's maybe why it sounds so forced, like the band are trying too hard to be over earnest. Every song in the collection sounds like a Bon Jovi B-Side but the pick of the bunch is probably closer 'You Or It's Me' with it's more reserved sound (if we choose to ignore the Sonic the Hedgehog guitar solos), but even that's a song I'd skip if I had the choice.

The production on the record is very heavily compressed to the point that it sounds like the life-force has literally and liberally been squeezed into every instrument and the result is like a perfectly flat, tasteless pancake. Of course the fault here is with the band not the producer, as the old saying goes, you can't polish a turd but you CAN roll it in glitter and man has Chris tried his darndest!

As a promo device for Screamadelica Studios this works: the packaging, production and (by all accounts) distribution of the band has been handled fantastically. The band itself though seem like they would be more comfortable playing classic rock covers.