New Lexicon

New Lexicon is another study in positive aggression for Paint It Black, but this album also sees the group continuing to expand its sound and flirting (briefly) with new territory. As reflected in its lyrics, the band still holds strongly to its hardcore philosophy. However, New Lexicon also features more melodic interludes and songs that are slightly longer than those on previous efforts — though still short by conventional standards. Alternating between these tuneful snippets and longer sections of manic rhythm, the underlying musical theme that binds New Lexicon together is intensity, with each song conveying powerful emotion and equally strong messages. Vocalists Andy Nelson and Dan Yemin make the lyrics of each of the numbers intelligible without abandoning a characteristic growl. They rail against conformity, societal expectations, and the political climate, but the commentary never seems forced, false, or self-indulgent. On the other side of the coin, Paint It Black's anger may be obvious, but it isn't suffocating. The songs are urgent, not heavy, and some incorporate unexpected elements, such as "Gravity Wins," which ends with a brief electronica interlude. As with the 2005 album Paradise, Paint It Black close New Lexicon on a somewhat hopeful note with "Shell Game Redux," a song that starts out bleak but shifts to a lighter, happier sound complete with a harmonized chorus. It sums up an album that, despite its bleak outlook, refuses to slip into despair or indulge in self-pity.