Review

Remove the chains of all those pretty little devices called intimidation and what exactly is left once you uncover the punk genre? As far I’m concerned...nothing different from any other genre. Unfortunately, sometimes bands like Squad Five-O are lost in the dust of genre specifications and never claim their spot in rock ‘n’ roll’s remembered, tucked away for keeps. But for Squad Five-O, things were a bit tougher being tucked away as a Christian punk-rock band.

Their fifth album, Late News Breaking is a poppy, crunching guitar effort. Track eight, “Left Alone,” and lead single track five, “Bye American,” are just some of the songs that make this a middle finger to the aforementioned genre specifications. It's this quick fist and fling of the finger that drills their emblem into the concrete of music, leaving behind the residue of a ‘punk world only’ stamp.

More than just funky, grass roots amplifier abuse, this album is group camaraderie. With more than enough evidence here of friendly musical balance and vibes, its almost as if all five of these boys are happy making music together. There’s a novel idea, band members who enjoy each other’s presence! Late News Breaking is a battle of electric guitars, bouncing back and forth, jumping through hoops on the playground of contemporary rock.

Perhaps what is missing from today’s music is this exact formula of uninhibited rocking. Muscling out the frustrations of being pop-punk, “All We Have” has a repetitive ska chord paving the way for the undeniably still unique voice of one Jeff Fortson. It seems Fortson, his guitarist twin brother John, and their supporting New York based band mates (Adam, Kris, and Dave) may have released the character defining album they have been molding these past few releases.

Once again produced by Matt Wallace, Late News Breaking is not by any means a heart-stopping hybrid of new gimmicks. But for any of those who may be sick of genre specifications, and are in the market for one of those scrappy guiltless guitar albums, consider yourself exposed.

Review by Brian Rutherford

3 out of 5