Against Me!, over the course of more than 10 years, have undertaken a slow burning transition from a pseudonym for Tom Gabel’s solo output, to the polished rock band credited with the release of 2010’s White Crosses. Their previous release, 2007’s New Wave created a split in their fan base. Many older fans may have been shocked and disappointed in the album’s sheen, while ironically this proved to be a turning point for the band, as they welcomed a new legion of both casual and critical fans, with Spin magazine naming it the best album of 07.

This year’s White Crosses sees the band revisit the formula of New Wave, re-instating Butch Vig at the producers desk, while the drummer’s stool is now being warmed by George Rebelo (ex Hot Water Music). There are some pronounced musical influences, prominent keyboards and driving beats hinting at Bruce Springsteen, the outro to Because of the Shame evoking Ramones of the early 1980s.

First up is the album’s title track, an upbeat song juxtaposed by his lyrics, describing in an all too familiar detail the desolate feelings of the hangover journey. Struggling to piece together the night before, trying even harder to make yourself feel normal, while miserably dragging your frame through ‘normal’ society, the alienation experienced just reinforcing the want for something to snap you out of the haze.

Like all AM! songs, the chorus invites a sing (shout?) along, and this is carried through into the second track, and easily the most interesting on the album, I Was A Teenage Anarchist. The track addresses all of the negative reviews and feedback the band has experienced as their career matured. Gabel first pleads his detractors to recall their visions of grandeur as teenagers, before turning, and spelling out it was his fans pigeon holing of his identity, that spurred him to sidestep expectation. As is the norm for AM releases, the lyrics are both intelligent and interesting, unfortunately sometimes getting too wordy, the rapid fire delivery getting confused in the overall mix.

After the harrowing kick in the guts that is Because of the Shame, the album levels out, with the majority of songs fitting well into the mould of their previous release. Thematically, there is a general departure from the older anarcho criticism, instead Gabel expands on New Wave’s The Ocean, using increasingly descriptive passages to create vivid imagery on tracks such as High Pressure Low and Ache With Me.

He isn’t done yet though, the album rounds out with Bamboo Bones, as Gabel now gives us a look into his own mind, and a chance to understand WHY he has changed his musical focus recently. It sounds almost like it his own mantra, as he refuses to be led or broken by anyone It is an empowering message, the album ended with the phrase ‘What God doesn’t give to you, you have to go and get for yourself’

Overall, yes it is different to the Against Me! of old, but you will only be doing yourself a disservice by disregarding the album. The lyrics are as strong as ever, the conviction is there, and most importantly, these songs will bloom in the live setting. As it is, Against Me! live are truly one of the most exciting bands on the planet, and these choruses will stand strongest when delivered frenetically to a room, full, drunk.

Review Score: 8/10