Pocket Change
Wake Up
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This band has really improved their sound; and they've achieved this without using that youthful spunk. The sonics are a lot cleaner than their last outing, and their playing is much tighter. Many of the songs gallop along at a fast clip, with melodic vocals and soothing "whoa-oh-oh" BGV's in the choruses. It's hard to pinpoint highlights, because the band hits it right on so many levels. In addition to the aforementioned playing, the songwriting is very catchy, and the lead vocals get the doubling effect from the BGV's. This is most evident in the super, "Give It Up." As is the Pocket Change custom, they cover a worship song, this one the traditional "Amazing Grace." They really change this one up. It's metal! Groove metal with chugging guitars and drums. I hear some Vengeance riffs along the lines of the song "Warfare." Wow! Who would've expected this from these pop punks? While these guys have been somewhat obscure on a national level up to this point, this album should change that for good. Who cares if the album doesn't have a Tooth & Nail logo on it? If it's good music, it's good music!