3x****
One of the new dominating features of this record are the heavy brass accompaniment, that give the frantic "Born In '69" a very heavy, produced sound. "On A Rope" and "Drop Out" become simplified and meat-headed, while "Young Lovers" gets an 80's sound, and "Used" sound's like The Clash's takes on 50's rock. By "Ball Lightning"**** these extras are used to create a smoother sound that rocks and gives us the funny line "want some cheese with your w(h)ine". "Fat Lip"**** continues this trend of focus on the fundamentals of riffs and choruses. "Salt Future"**** realized the full anthemic potential with the "big music" sound of The Call. The angular "Suit City" also sticks closer to these fundamentals and is one of the better punk songs. "Misbeaten" is an unexpected detour to garage rock. The slow and brooding "Burnt Alive" is an interesting choice with its very restrained chorus that suggest that something needs to be resolved, and ends with a very uneasy feeling.
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