Album Review: Off With Their Heads - Home

The glow around US punk rockers Off With Their Heads has the blogosphere predicating big things. And for the most part, the online oracles are correct as Home, their first album since 2010's In Desolation, combines all the good stuff you'd expect – punch, kick, brash vocals, simple yet effective guitars and frantic drums.

The album's opener, Start Walking, has singer/guitarist Ryan Young's raspy and crotchety voice in full flow, to the point where he's bellowing thrash metal style and practically drowns out the instruments. Most will be happy to hear that Young hates life just as much as he did 11 years ago, when the band formed. Still, he's reflective throughout Home as he says “I don't feel like me, whoever that's supposed to be” on the contemplative Shirts.

The softer side to Off With Their Heads can be heard on ballads Stolen Away and Don't Make Me Go, as Young confesses he'll never change his ways. This is uncomplicated punk without the fuss. It's stern and rough around the edges, albeit with over-sentimental lyrics as Young sings about emotions that may be genuine yet retain the energetic punk appeal.

The album's strength is its rock-like feel, with the rhythm sections controlled and sounding more professional. It's a fun hybrid of aggressive and emotive punk that is cleverly melded with dirty rock. Whether Young's lyrics are a cry for help, a call for attention or merely reflect his genuine outlook on life is debatable. While Home is a strong album, the tales of Young being destined to spend life in solitude are slowly starting to bore.