A Promise To Burn

Framing Hanley are best-known for their cover of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop." In their hands, the rap-pop hit became a creepy modern-rock dirge that sounded like junior varsity Korn. The vibe of the Nashville band's 2007 debut, The Moment, wasn't quite as crisp; the album often sounded generic and monotonous as it copied the slo-mo, layered roars of Deftones circa "Change (In The House Of Flies)."



On their second album, A Promise To Burn, Framing Hanley wisely emerge from their White Pony fog and add stylistic depth. Piano drives the upbeat, pop-rock bounce "Back To Go Again" and epic ballad "Weight Of The World," while the pensive "Photographs And Gasoline" features icy electronic swirls and cutthroat programmed beats. The biggest influence on Burn's sound, however, appears to be Incubus. "Wake Up" sounds like All Time Low fronted by Brandon Boyd (vocalist Kenneth Nixon is a dead-ringer), "Fool With Dreams" marries light electronics to feathery guitars and "The Promise" is a dynamic rock single full of dramatic, suspense-filled riffs.



The only sore thumb is "You Stupid Girl," the type of misogynistic bro-rock that's as generic as it is irresponsible. While an obvious attempt at nabbing radio airplay, it just undermines the interesting flourishes elsewhere on the disc–and gives people the wrong idea about what Framing Hanley are about. That's Burn's real problem: Although the album isn't overproduced and doesn't feel forced, it also doesn't do much to establish them as a distinctive band. Those who are already fans will enjoy the release; those who aren't probably won't be persuaded to become one.

Silent Majority http://www.silentmajoritygroup.com