Things are kicked off with the upbeat "Hang'em High." The cut sets the stage with the opening rage countered by softer melody. I would not call this one of the best songs here, but it is definitely one that will get the blood pumping. It is followed by "Contagious," which is, quite frankly, exactly what the title says. This was one of the stronger tracks here, featuring some nice vocal interplay and chugging guitars that blend into an anthemic pattern. Closing out the opening trilogy is the pit rager "Annexation of Puerto Rico," a song that is pure energy.

Jump ahead a little bit and you get the cleverly titled "Trigger Happy Tarantula" which has a good mix of melody and energy, raising it towards the top cuts. The only other song that had an effect on me was "Eager Cannibals" which had a very nice bass line that weaved through it. A last note is that the final track, "Mechanical Heart," had a few interesting moments.

Bottomline. Screamo will never be my genre of choice, and A Static Lullaby does not do much to save their case. Sure, they had a few songs with points of interest, but all too often it seems like too much effort is put into the mix of rage and melody. The progression does not feel as natural as in other acts I listen to. Still, the album is not a waste, by any stretch, just not one that I will find myself reaching for too often.

Mildly Recommended.