Sum 41
Chuck
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On previous albums, Canadian foursome Sum 41 developed a reputation for potty-mouth lyrics and faux hip-hop posturing. It was funny, for a minute. Now, two years after the release of its last studio effort, Does This Look Infected?, the band shows signs of maturity: Sum 41 are less sophomoric, even as they still look to their younger years for musical inspiration. Equal parts Metallica metal riffery, Blink-182 pop hooks and Social Distortion meathead appeal, Chuck's heavy melodies find a balance between ADD guitar wank and next year's prom-night hit. When the band brings it all together for a moment of clarity, as on the teen anthem "Pieces" (which begs for an acoustic-session makeover),
Read More you can practically hear the zippers coming down in the back seat. Like the best metal bands, Sum 41 mix it up, segueing from hard to girl-approved sensitive (the epic ballad "No Reason") on a dime. With Chuck, Sum 41 have pulled off a truly impressive knucklehead stunt: They've managed to grow up a little and still have something to say.
On Chuck, Sum 41 have found a voice that sounds more authoritative, angrier and much heavier than before. Sure, some tracks, like "Some Say," have a breezier, commercial viability, but for the most part such songs as "No Reason" and "The Bitter End" mix up metal chords and an unexpected ferocity.
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