Unwritten Law | Here's to the Mourning
a radio bobo-k review

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SoCal's Unwritten Law created a wonderful blend of styles on their sixth studio album, 'Here's to the Mourning', breaking free from their pop-punk roots towards a more well-rounded, dare I say, mature sound.

It sounds strange to say, but what really grabbed my attention is the use of harmonies in their background vocals. The songs have a slickly-produced sound with catchy tunes that yes, this Blunterette found herself humming them in the shower (you need go no further than the second cut "Get Up" to hear what I'm talking about).

This full-bodied sound creates a style that is equal parts Offspring and Oasis. The very Beatle-esque cut, appropriately entitled "Walrus" with its opening line "I read the news today", shows a much more mature sound than their previous offerings. Don't you fret older fans of the group, they still rock the punk trip - in particular "Lost Control" (this cut sounds particularly Dexter-like), the hidden track (not sure what it's called) and the balls-out rocker "F.I.G.H.T."

Ironically, one of my least favorite cuts on the album is the hit single, "Save Me." The song, currently climbing up the radio charts, was co-penned by Linda Perry - known best for her annoying hit "What's Up" as lead vocalist of 4 Non Blondes, but whose contributions to Pink's M!ssundaztood album were amongst the highlights of that album.

All said, here's to Here's to the Mourning!

Track listing:

1. Intro
2. Get Up
3. Celebration Song
4. Because of You
5. Lost Control
6. Save Me (Wakeup Call)
7. I Like the Way
8. Slow Dance
9. She Says
10. Rejections Cold
11. F.I.G.H.T.
12. Walrus