Airshow 2012

Picking up where Celebration! left off, the revamped Fuckemos return with a dense, sprawling virus of an album. Capitalizing further on the pop sensibilities of its predecessor, Airshow 2000 also adds another unexpected element, bringing Russell Porter's Casio keyboard to the forefront of the mix. In fact, as opposed to simply adding textural depth, or comic relief, his keys help define each song melodically. Oddly enough, Porter's keyboard playing will remind the listener of early-'80s new wave acts like Flock of Seagulls, particularly in the title track. In fact, the liner notes list the band as the "Flock of Emos." Layering that new wave aesthetic over the traditional metal riffs — and Porter's customarily unglued subjects (see songs like "Amputeen," "Toss't Salad," "Sex Body," and "Honky in the Sky") — creates an album of undeniable musicality, despite repeated attempts by critics and naysayers to deny the band such status. Airshow 2000, while still characteristically sloppy in places, is the band's most sophisticated effort, eclipsing 1997's Celebration! in both melody and overall weirdness.