With their second EP in 2009, ex-member punk and hardcore mega-group HIGHER GIANT continue the melodic pop-punk dish on Al’s Moustache (Black Numbers). Following similar treads to March’s The First Five, Al’s Moustache puts down another four jams of less-than-cheery, but still bouncy and anthemic Ernie Parada-lead punk. As HIGHER GIANT now has nine songs to their name, it’s more clear than ever that the band is basically picking up where GREY AREA left off. The hardcore foundation is there, but speed is not a leading factor, and the snotty-edge to (the more recent) ARSONS has taken a backseat too. Parada’s bellowing voice is at the helm, and drummer Dave Wagenschutz is a bedrock post to roaming guitars (most noticeable on “Just Go!” and somewhat discordant on the fitting “The Bad Investment”). The mid-tempo pace and Parada’s almost sly, yet loud style reminds me a lot of where the BOUNCING SOULS are (mostly) at in their careers right now. Songwriting is a natural gift to those involved, and no one is trying to force anything on anyone. Maybe this could be mistaken for dredging up a lazy sound, or at least a begging for more “offense”, but that’s a myopic take on music that carries its weight in context and texture instead of beats per minute. If you liked GREY AREA’s Fanbelt Algebra, I can assure your fondness for Al’s Moustache.

Black Numbers