Remember 2003? 2001? 2000? For the last five years I have made it point not to listen to the radio, watch MTV(or fantasy/reality TV as it should be known), or go to festivals like the Warped tour. Everything that is the flavor of this century has basically melded into one big mass of sterile, unimaginative, unoriginal, crowd -pleasing, nose pierced, whiny, teeny bop angst-ridden drivel. Even some of the great icons of the 70s and 80s have fallen under the mind ray that is the shallow modern money-making pop culture. Can you say "SHAARONN!"? Good because a certain Prince of Darkness can barely say it (he just sort of exhales it).

Well this new young band from California called PICKETLINE are out to change all that. They claim to separate themselves from all the modern copycat bands out there. They are out to challenge you with their eclectic style, multitude of influences and create a whole new listening experience . Well thanks, but their new self-released album 'Chapter's End' is basically a sheep in wolves clothing. Yeah you read that right (the other way around would indicate that this album actually has a pair). It's the same watered-down, overproduced, reverb -washed emo-ridden mush that I have been hearing for years. The opening track "Arizona" is a prime example. The next track "Dancin" admittedly I found myself enjoying. It is an infectious, upbeat, crowd pleaser that I could see being a favorite at the local frat party. That's about as interesting as it gets. The rest of the disc I find no different from all those bands with three and four word names. One thing I will say about this album is that the production is top-notch. That's saying a lot for a band that released this disc themselves. This, along with the high-tech mobile tour bus/stage that they boast of in their bio, the brand new Mesa Boogies and Paul Reed Smiths tell me that they spent their parent's money well. Now if only money could buy originality. But hey, they may not need that today.

Maybe I am just too old. These kids definitely have enough talent, but if you are looking for something to broaden your musical horizons or something that will just blow you away, you will not find it here. If you are looking for something to listen to while staring in a trance at your computer screen (like I am doing now), give this record a whirl.

- Peters

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/picketline

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