By Ashley
Released: 2002
Label: Island Records
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Infectious metallic-pop-punk-rock with the occasional rap thrown in. And its good!
The lead single from "Does This Look Infected?", 'Still Waiting', best defines the new direction that Sum 41 has taken on their latest effort. With mature and introspective lyrics like "So am I still waiting for this world to stop hating?/Can't find a good reason, can't find hope to believe in," its hard to believe that this is the same band who hit it big last year with 'Fat Lip'. 'Still Waiting' leads into the track 'A.N.I.C.' which proves that there's still a some immature teenager left kicking inside Sum 41.
For the most part, the new material strays from pop-punk's tried and true conventions and trades in ultra-catchy melodies and basic power chord progressions for shouting and a metallic edge. This isn't a bad trade off in this new era where you can't help but wonder if record labels own pop-punk band factories. Seriously, think about it: they take cute high school boys, give them guitars and drums, and teach them catchy songs about being dumped. Then off to TRL!!! Sounds like a simple plan......but that's enough about my conspiracy theories, now back to my review of "Does This Look Infected?"
My favorite song off this album is 'My Direction', a song with an H2O vibe to it that's about having problems and going a little crazy, but knowing it could be worse. 'All Messed Up', a simple song about being trashed, is the only track on this album that could have been placed on "All Killer, No Filler"; all the others are either too metal-influenced or have more mature lyrics. Its not a bad song, but it sticks out from the rest of the album. 'Thanks For Nothing' is another one of my favorite tracks and reflects on society and the music industry. The album closes with 'Hooch', a melodic party for the ears that showcases guitarist Dave's skills in an excellent guitar solo.
The best part about this record is that Sum 41 didn't lie about it in the interviews leading up to its release. They said it would be harder than the last album, and they delivered. So many "punk" bands say their new record will be different and "much much harder" than their last album then (surprise!) its more of the same. Sum 41 tried something different, and it worked. If you're still debating whether to buy this disc or not, it comes with a free DVD of ridiculous bonus footage that will make you pee yourself. The DVD alone is worth the fifteen dollars. Somebody please give these guys their own TV show!
Track Listing:
For More Information:
1. The Hell Song
2. Over My Head (Better Off Dead)
3. My Direction
4. Still Waiting
5. A.N.I.C.
6. No Brains
7. All Messed Up
8. Mr. Amsterdam
9. Thanks For Nothing
10. Hyper-Insomnia-Para-Condrioid
11. Billy Spleen
12. Hooch
• Official Site: www.sum41.com
• Label's Official Site: www.islandrecords.com