Burning Through the Motions

Supernaut may not outwardly revel in the metal power their name implies (as in that little Black Sabbath ditty), but regardless, they sure do kick a lot of ass. Pabst-drenched and with a hardened edge, Burning Through the Motions is a revitalizing blast of guitar-powered excellence and jean-jacket coolness. Commanded by the chain-smoking vocals of ex-Daylights frontman Scott Chapin, Supernaut rock hard with an invigorating balance of post-grunge muscle, punk grit, roguish attitude, and oh yeah, all these tight little hooks that attach directly to the brain. There's a certain everyday-guy kind of appeal that shines through the group's toughness, and a song like "Burn Out the Sun" easily showcases their vulnerability without ever losing that defiant edge. Cuts like "SOS" and the swaggering "Losin' It" densely rip and riff their way through three minutes of telling off ex-lovers and losing one's mind. And both subjects have never sounded so thrilling. Basically, each song cuts through the air like a potent and strangely comforting shot of whiskey downed in any tattered local dive, and — despite the slight sting left behind — one will be left craving more. But unlike the activities one might get involved in at said bar, Burning Through the Motions will leave behind no hangovers or morning-after regrets to deal with. Just 11 rockin' songs to throw on again.