Searching for a Former Clarity

A damn good record. Against Me!'s latest release for Fat Wreck, Searching for a Former Clarity, Wreck covers many topics from "Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners" to "Violence" to "Joy," to name a few. Searching for a Former Clarity opens with a slow-to-start song that picks up within a minute, then follows with "Miami" -- a churning song with a little bit of horn flare. Singer/guitarist Tom Gabel gets a little acoustic during the passionate song "Joy," but immediately changes tones in the next track. With the variations in styles of songs throughout the album, is Against Me! searching for a former clarity? It's as if this album, from start to beginning, showcases the band ruffling through ideas and sounds trying to get the best ones. With political and intimate lyrics and edgy punk rock music, Searching for a Former Clarity is sure to satisfy anyone with a passion for good, hard music.