Everclear

Songs From An American Movie Vol. Two: Good Time For A Bad Attitude

(Capitol Records)

When Art Alexakis of Everclear promised his band’s latest album, “Songs From An American Movie Volume Two: Good Time For a Bad Attitude,” would present a harder and louder side of the band, some fans might have learned how to smile.

Alexakis gave the impression that the album would be something different, something experimental. After all, “Amphetamine” from 1997’s “So Much For the Afterglow” proved the band could stir up something more intense every once in awhile.

Unfortunately, Everclear didn’t live up to the hype.

Every time Alexakis yaps “wow” or “yeah” and the band pauses during a lyrical pattern, it’s way too predictable. The record is good old Everclear, but at the same time, it’s nothing incredibly new from Everclear.

All Alexakis does is turn up the distortion occasionally and play power chord riffs that don’t display his true talent. It is almost as if he is trying to hide his ability behind those unoriginal chord patterns.

“Out of My Depth” is just screaming “radio-friendly” with an acoustic guitar and a catchy chorus, while “The Good Witch Of The North” is another high-quality mellow tune for the band.

For the most part, the guitar work isn’t anything special, and Greg Eklund really doesn’t bang out any remarkable beats on his drum kit - it’s all the same.

“All F----- Up” is the only song that lives up to the album title.

Alexakis sings, “I am all f----- up/And it’s always the same/I always get so close/Then I let it get away/I got no one but/myself to blame.”

The distortion and high-tempo drum work is something new for Everclear, and it’s convincing to hear these guys trying something totally different on this song.

Loyal fans will not be disappointed by the variety of themes Alexakis sings about, but Alexakis promised this one would be different, and this is a heartbreaking lie.

Everclear should have released this album with “Songs From an American Movie Volume One: Learning How to Smile” and offered one high-quality album, instead of trying to write two theme albums.

The group’s latest is ear candy for loyal fans, but disappointing overall for those who continue to purchase Everclear’s albums expecting something at least mildly distinctive from its earlier repertoire.

DAN JULIAN