The Brutalist Bricks

Ted Leo sings with a political fervor and emotional commitment that is reminiscent of the Clash in all their blazing glory. “The Mighty Sparrow,” the sprightly-spiky pop-punk tune that kicks off Leo’s sixth studio album is a bracing mix of power chords, spirited vocals and hummable choruses that demand attention. “Mourning In America” addresses those Leo needs to overcome (“the long-manipulated and the willfully dumb”) in order to reach justice for all. There’s still a touch of keyboard from guitarist James Canty and the ghost of Elvis Costello always haunts the twist of words and rhythmic force as the drug-induced look at the Foo Fighters-styled “Ativan Eyes” and the camera-quick “One Polaroid a Day” spark images of the horn-rimmed hero answering Leo’s songwriting questions. “Bottled In Cork” reflects like a diary while slamming around with punk energy. The acoustic-based growl of “Even Heroes Have to Die” settles on unsettling truth. “Last Days” is his way of winding down one strong, intense album.