Captain, We're Sinking defy the disastrous destiny of their name by improving their brand of spunky pop-punk on With Joe Riley. The followup to 2010's It's a Trap! and split with Timeshares is a quick three-song release featuring an occasionally more visceral delivery and a trebly, ping-ponging punch.

Opener "The Ballad of Ichabod Crane" is spiked with lively guitar work and more picturesque lyrics than usual. "Manners Are Their Own Reward, Gentlemen" has an annoyed, angrier bent running along its sharp edge, while closer "Foster Brothers" gets plenty of mileage out of plowed power chords and raw harmonizing, making for pleasing melodies. Sure, they still kinda sound like the Menzingers, but it's a little less prominent than on prior releases.

This is a small step in the right direction for the young Scranton act.

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With Joe Riley EP