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| Lucky Boys ConfusionClosing Arguments2009 Townstyle Music 
 Review by: SloaneDaley See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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 Published on August 11th 2009
When Lucky Boys Confusion debuted with 1998’s Growing Out of It, they were able to achieve some level of notability riding the dwindling popularity of third wave ska-punk. While their mixture of pop-punk, hip-hop and ska upstrokes did come off as kind of trend-hopping, it was hard to deny that they could write a good pop tune. Several albums later and the band went into a semi-hiatus but soon announced they were going to be releasing a new album, the fittingly titled Closing Arguments. It was somewhat misleading, though, as this is more of a compilation of demos, B-sides and versions of songs from other projects.
Tonightis some the catchiest stuff this side of Kris Roe’s hairline, as the pleading inflection of vocalist Kaustubh Pandav shows his knack for winning melodies that hasn't changed. Sadly, this highlight seems to serve to emphasize how the rest of the album is made up of leftover ideas, as the big buildups and anthemic choruses on songs like “Hedonist II” and “Paint,” for all their enthusiasm, end up being pretty forgettable. The only other song that really recaptures the catchiness of “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us” is the song directly following it, “Biggest Mistake,” which originally appeared on Pandav’s side project Shock Star’s EP, Feel for a Heartbeat. This creates a top-heavy flow to the album and really only makes the listener want to repeat the opening punch, because even though the following “18 Years” is one of the better songs on the album, it fails as a followup to those two. Since LBC always had a mix of genres going on, it seems like a shame that a number of their songs here use too many different parts in a single song; as soon as a sense of comfort in a progression or melody sets in, they move on to something else. “Sidewalk Graves” is the biggest victim of these jarring transitions, as it changes from a verse with light reggae pop tinges into a chorus that reflects `70s arena rock, then to a rockabilly bounce and back with nothing ever really lasting long enough to stick. A little variety is praiseworthy, as most pop-rock bands use the same verse-chorus-verse formula over and over. Yet, the times when it works, such as “Shoulda Been Me” with its 1950s girl group arrangement and backup vocals, are overshadowed by the more obvious moments of confusing transitions. If Closing Arguments is indeed Lucky Boys Confusion’s final chapter in their recording catalogue, it is mostly a disappointment as “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us” shows they still have what it takes to write a good pop song. This is only recommended for completists and long-time fans. Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
the beginning of 18 Years sounds like a third eye blind song. just sayin. The singer's a complete doucher. Fuck this band. I agree with the review for the most part. First, let me go on record by stating that I was a huge LBC fan from 2003-2006. I think "throwing the game" and "commitment" are hugely underrated and overlooked albums. They contain awesoem pop-punk tunes, but it is LBC's mastery of other forms of music and the fact that they are more accomplished and mature musiciains than most pop-punk bands that set them apart from the pack. Throwing in reggae, calypso, hip-hop, alternative rock, folk, etc. to their pop-punk mix to create something pretty unique and memorable. Stuby's voice is also a highlight of the band as it is both unique and powerful and their live show is/was something special, despite only playing to a few hundred people (other than their Chicago-area shows). man, i really fucking enjoyed this record. while some songs are pretty forgettable, like with other LBC releases, it's the songs like 'this town' or 'blood drops' that really make this album, in my eyes, a great one. it'll be sad to see them go. crappy band, but they have the weirdest set of members that look like they would never be in a band together Awesome band,albums not that flash though. DOes this band ever tour? not that I would go see them its just they have been around for a long time and Ive never seen them open for anybody or even play the warped tour. fuck this band. Please tell me that the album name implies that this is their last effort. I'd like to take a stand any deny that Lucky Boys Confusion can write a good pop tune |
