Anchors For Arms

Listen.React

[3/5]

Double-time aficionados suffered a tough loss when Lobster Records act Staring Back called it quits in 2005. Those desperate for another serving of “the Forbidden Beat” might find it worthy to invest in Anchors For Arms. While purer punks might prefer A Wilhelm Scream’s gruffer march, the man responsible for Anchors’ earnest, higher-pitched register-Ryan Lawless-certainly isn’t a lifeless fellow. Semi-technical, super melodic and consistently energetic skatepunk is what Listen.React has to offer, and it’s quite promising. Vocalist/bassist Lawless might be more Kenny Vasoli and less Chuck Ragan, and the band’s guitar theatrics aren’t always that impressive. But Listen.React is saved by multiple harmonies, a plethora of varied tempos and a forward-moving, urgent charge. (OORT) Brian Shultz