Artist: Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Album: “Scary Kids Scaring Kids”

Label: Immortal

Release date: Aug. 28

Availability: CD, iTunes, Ruckus

The post-hardcore sextet Scary Kids Scaring Kids has avoided the sophomore slump with their self-titled second album.

Their songs are still frantic and gritty, but the cathartic shrieks have, in many cases, given way to melody. However, this does not mean the band has lost its edge or sound like a condensed, flavor-of-the-month pop band.

To the contrary, the song “Snake Devil” is a fast-paced, raucous number with smart lyrics and some very catchy guitar parts that sound like they were taken from ’80s metal.

Other songs are mellower and give listeners a break from the nonstop pace of the album. Both “Derailed” and “Breathe” are relaxing enough to sound like they should be on a Vangelis album.

In a genre filled with cliches, Scary Kids Scaring Kids seem to avoid the norm of angst-ridden young men screaming their lungs out without a thought to what they are saying. Rather, these guys seem to use their music to the greatest impact possible and have a solid album to show for it.