I’ve been searching for days to find a way to convey my feelings on “Good Mourning” that come to the following conclusion: “pretty damn good, but it’s missing something.” I think I’ve finally made a breakthrough though – if “From Here to Infirmary” is akin to GREEN DAY’s “Dookie” – a modern pop-punk record flawless in all aspects, then “Good Mourning” is GREEN DAY’s “Insomniac” – a little rougher, darker, more complicated, but not as focused and consistent. The first four songs on “Good Mourning” really get this disc going, especially with the second tune, “We’ve Had Enough,” which displays a lovely chorus emphasizing a distaste for radio conformity. The minor inclusion of bells at the end of the opener, “This Could Be Love,” and at the respective poles for “We’ve Had Enough” are awkward at first, but memorable with repeat listens. “100 Stories” is the first showing of Dan Adriano’s vocals on here, and the transition is smoothly made. The fourth track, “Continental” starts off with the best guitar riff on the disc, however, it’s oddly similar to a SAMIAM tune on their epic, “Clumsy.” Regardless, this tune is tight, and the thick production (courtesy of Jerry Finn) gives it a generous push. “Good Mourning” goes into a bit of a lull though for most of the middle of this disc, rebounding briefly with the speedy “Fatally Yours,” however, this energy is killed abruptly as this song ends on a whim and drops into the acoustic intro for “Every Thug Needs A Lady.” Although this tune is something entirely different for the band, it sticks out like a sore thumb until the tempo is revved up for its blazing finish. “Good Mourning” returns to top-shape on its next three tunes, “Blue Carolina,” “Donner Party (All Night)” (which lurches forward at the listener in an almost “Goddamnit” like manner), and “If We Never Go Inside.” The closer, “Blue In The Face,” however, is just unfortunate all the way around. Matt Skiba’s vocals on this disc are pretty hazy the entire time, straddling the line between “emotionally-hoarse sounding” and “just plain irritating,” but on “Blue In The Face,” not only is the song rather meandering, but Skiba’s crooning is almost obnoxious on the ears. I’m not sure if the rasp is from smoking too many cigarettes or an illness at the time of recording, but it’s a long from the pinnacle of his vocal capabilities. As far as I’m concerned, I’m shocked this song made the cut, let alone, allowed to close out this release. If this review seems less than completely enthusiastic, it’s partially due to the all-too-unfortunate result of a band releasing a record that’s practically untouchable to the reviewer/fan, and then having the ridiculous task of trying to follow it up and prove to the world that their new offering is just as good, if not better. For me, “From Here to Infirmary” had it all, and it hit me the moment that I placed it on the stereo for the first time. “Good Mourning,” although very strong in many parts, seems to struggle in finding its own supply of magic, and for that reason, although I recommend this disc, I issue the warning of “check your fanatic desires at the door.”

Vagrant

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