Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather

Bursting out of the blocks with "Boys! Grab Your Guns," the new look My American Heart send the blood pumping and the adrenalin racing on their latest set, Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather. Now boasting a second guitarist, with the enlistment of Matt VanGasbeck, and further plumping up the sound with the copious use of keyboards, courtesy of album producer James Paul Wisner. Needless to say then, Hiding is quite a musical step forward from The Meaning in Makeup. MAH have always been a dynamic band, and Hiding boasts an exhilarating trio of emo-styled rockers center stage, kicking off with the incendiary title track, and continuing through the powerful "The Innocent Letter" and the hard rocking "There Are More Frightening Things...." These hefty numbers are beautifully counter-pointed by the introspective ballad "All My Friends," and the sublime downtempo, jazz flecked "Dangerous." That latter song surges into psychedelia, abetted by the acid- washed organ. In contrast, the driving "Speak Low If You Speak Love" is an inspired meld of post-punk and modern rock, with a sweet chorus that screams hit single. The aforementioned "Boys! Grab Your Guns" is even more infectious, with a hook big enough to raise the Titanic. There again, Hiding is awash in strong melodies and irrepressible choruses, with "Fantasy"'s being yet another standout. But the intricacies of the arrangements, layered guitars, shifting rhythms, and supple use of organ move the band far beyond the usual fare found in either the emo or pop/rock scenes. Add thoughtful lyrics and universal themes, mostly revolving around shaky relationships, and MAH has created an album sure to resonate for years to come.