American Hi-Fi's new album, "Hearts On Parade," follows the tradition of trite, commercialized, castrated punk that is destined to never reach a dedicated audience. They seem to make an honest effort at never taking chances.
They are best known for their song, "Flavor of the Weak," from their 2001 sophomore release "The Art of Losing." Their new single, "The Geeks Get The Girls," is nearly identical in both structure and melody.
They maintain a consistent monotony in their songwriting. This allows them to cover analogous topics in songs like "We Can't Be Friends."
"We were good/ playing hard/ rolling down the boulevard," sings vocalist/guitarist Stacey Jones.
In "Something Real," Jones uses similar imagery.
"Staring down the boulevard/ crescent heights/ the city lights the way."
Ironically, the song "Highs And Lows" addresses the topic of contemporary, over-medicated American society, wallowing in mediocrity. Upon closer evaluation, they might as well be referring to themselves.
They seem to have a preoccupation with rhyming each verse, which in effect severely limits their lyrical potential.
"Watch the years roll by/ counting shooting stars across the sky ..."
Sentimental trash pervades the disc.
"Looking for something that matters/ we all want something real," sings Jones in "Something Real."
There's a sizeable difference between wanting and having.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
