The Skinny: In addition to Paint it Black, Dan Yemin is also a founding member of Philly/Jersey’s Resurrection, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, and Armalite. PIB is by far the most aggressive of Yemin’s endeavors, and the only one he does vocals for. With the lineup constantly changing, none of their records sound exactly the same, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Earlier PIB releases include two full lengths, CVA and Paradise, as well as a 7” EP entitled Goliath, all of which were released on Jade Tree Records.

The Rating:      What does this mean?

Why: New Lexicon is in my opinion the most versatile PIB release to date. CVA was very aggressive while Paradise showed a more melodic side. This new record has the best of both worlds. I can honestly say that I’ve never heard a band make the transition from hardcore to pop punk as smooth as these guys. Tracks like “The Ledge” and “Shell Game Redux” are excellent examples. One minute you’re banging your head and the next you’re shaking your ass. To me, this is brilliant. I love genre fusion, especially when it’s done right.

This is what I call intellectual hardcore. Yemin isn’t singing about straight edge or acting like a tough guy, but he’s not flexing his academic muscle either…well, not that much at least. The lyrics are simple yet very well thought out. Anyone can understand what he’s saying, but the more you look into it the more it means. The only criticism I have about the lyric content is that at least half the songs serve no other purpose than to criticize organized religion. I’m not the biggest fan of Jesus freaks myself, but it just seems like overkill. Then again, anyone who’s ever seen PIB knows that Yemin is notorious for his political/religious/social rants in between songs. All in all, this is an amazing album with a very appropriate title. My favorite song is “Past Tense, Future Perfect” which ends with the repeating pop punk sing along, “We are invincible. We may bend, but we will not be broken.” Yes, yes, and yes.

This genre is too often predictable. We need more bands like this to mix it up. I know that die hard fans of the core probably won’t like this album, but it’s really their loss. Get over trying to live by a label. The more our underground evolves, the more its ideas, ethics, etc will spread and reach more ears. You go Paint it Black! Keep carrying the torch to light the way.

Dont know them? Their CD can fit in with other such albums as: Take My Chances’ Down Here with Us and Capital’s Homefront.