Any fans of Taking Back Sunday will know the variety of line up changes the band has had in its history. And with the five original members circa their 2002 release Tell All Your Friends reforming again, much hype has been created for their self-titled album.

Taking Back Sunday has always been a band that can create a perfect angst riddled sound in their songs and this album is no different. While it is a sound that works for them, the album falls short in creating any "Make Damn Sure" moments. As a whole it has been put together and polished well, but doesn’t contain that certain spark to really make a listener sit up and pay attention.

Opening with "El Paso" quoted from lead singer Adam Lazzara as ‘probably one of the heaviest rock songs we’ve ever written’, the song showcases a clear shift in direction for the band with a more aggressive guitar driven sound combined with Lazzara’s powerful vocals taking on a more taunting and spiteful edge.

"Faith (When I Let You Down)" is the first single to be released from the album, and while it’s quite lyrically simple its catchy chorus demonstrates its commercial appeal. However the song is easily forgettable and once listening to the next track "Best Places To Be a Mom" it could be questioned why the band didn’t go with the latter for first single choice.

With comparisons being drawn to album Tell All Your Friends because of the reunited line-up, have Taking Back Sunday recaptured and matured on that sound that made them so successful? In short no – rather their self titled almost seems like a desperate bid of trying to impose a certain angst and falling short, with a severe lack of any magic moments in the songs.

John Nolan’s reappearance in the band has seen him take on a role similar to what Matthew Fazzi did for album New Again, which is not exactly a good thing. Nolan is left to echo Lazzara’s pitiful pleas or rageful cries, with the dynamic and powerful vocal duo of Lazzara and Fred Mascherino from 2006’s Louder Now no- where to be seen.

The album continues on in a bid to recapture the old magic, with no particular stand out tracks. "It Doesn't Feel a Thing Like Falling" is one of the more easily likeable ones, with slower verses complemented with a chorus of layered guitar melodies and Lazzara’s vocals and harmonies spot on.

Taking Back Sunday have done something right on closing track "Call Me In The Morning". The song is a slow-build up, climbing to a crescendo with Lazarra and Nolan’s vocals harmonising well together. The song is one of the few standout tracks on the album, emotionally powerful with a reminiscent and noglastic vibe to it.

Unfortunately the long wait wasn’t all that worth it for Taking Back Sunday's new album. For fans of the band, it’s still worth a listen but the lack of progression is quite disappointing.

Review Score: 6/10