A pop punk band that has been in the game for over ten years now, Hot Rod Circuit is back with their fifth release The Underground Is A Dying Breed. Released under Immortal Records, Hot Rod Circuit may have released an album that will grab them a lot of attention this year. Already being chosen to play the Warped Tour 2007, the Connecticut foursome have played live shows for years now entertaining many a concert attendee.

“Stateside” opens up the CD in what sounds like a more defined Hot Rod Circuit since the last time I heard them. The song reminds me of something along the lines of Senses Fail and Taking Back Sunday with a lighter approach. The whole song overall is a good mellow intro to the rest of the album that seems to flow very nicely from start to finish.

"Vampire" immediately follows with a string section that really reminds me of Yellowcard but not annoying. Sorry guys, Yellowcard does nothing for me except make me grind my teeth.

Possibly replicating almost a Millencolin singing style, “Battleship” was a pleasant track to listen to. “Holding On To Nothing” if not already, could easily be a single on a punk compilation. The song is very addicting in a punk pop sort of way. “U.S. Royalty” was another choice track on this CD to me. I really liked the guitar styles on this.

If you know who Hot Rod Circuit is and enjoyed any of their previous releases including Sorry About Tomorrow then you are going to adore this album. If you are planning on hitting up the Warped Tour this summer you should make an attempt to see these guys live. They may have a sound comparable to former tour mates Alkaline Trio and Brand New, but who said that was a bad thing? I really see this CD as being the release that brings Hot Rod Circuit some of the attention they deserve.