review by Michael Pihowich

It’s been six years since the 2008 release of the I Think My Older Brother Used To Listen To Lagwagon EP, and nine years since we saw 2005’s full-length release of Resolve. In those nine years, if you’re anything like me, you were constantly checking for updates, new songs and word of a new record. I’m happy to announce that as of October 28th, the long wait is over.

The fall release of Hang could possibly be one of the most anticipated new punk rock records of the year, and perhaps even the last five years. I have spent close to a week listening to this album and like to think of it as a homecoming for the band. It wraps life experiences and views with old devices from prior albums together to create something new. The more you listen to the album, the more clear it is that this is easily the hardest record in the Lagwagon collection. Between the heavy distortion and technical riffs —and this record is very riffy by the way— it’s not hard to see that the band has stayed true to their original identity and not forgotten their Punk Rock roots, as well as developing the band to create a more mature sound. This release is absolutely incredible from front to back, lyrically and musically, and retains favoured elements from Duh all the way to Resolve. There’s a Lagwagon song on this album for every fan, no matter what age.

Track List
1. Burden of Proof
2. Reign
3. Made of Broken Parts
4. The Cog in the Machine
5. Poison in the Well
6. Obsolete Absolute
7. Western Settlements
8. Burning Out in Style
9. One More Song
10. Drag
11. You Know Me
12. In Your Wake

Burden of Proof is the first song on the album, and it’s the acoustic calm before the storm. Joey and his guitar, showing remnants of Bad Astronaut chord progression and tone, creating a smooth, easy introduction. However, that introduction is short-lived as the listener is plunged into the high-energy composition of Reign. One listen to this song and I was hooked. The flow, the octave climbs and the harmonies leave you with a sense of excitement that you feel deep in your bones. This song is evidence that Lagwagon made this record because they wanted to, not because they had to.

Made of Broken Parts sets the hard, serious tone that is prevalent for the better part of the album. This song has musically descending verses complimented by uplifting riffs that bring the listener back up and creates a balance in the song. Following in this song’s footsteps is The Cog in the Machine, which is another riffy track. The lyrics are worth taking a good look at, as Joey brings attention to the problems that we encounter on global scale. The lyrics touch on the hunger struggle to greed, wealth and economics, to name a few. Punk Rock with a moral compass, now we’re talking.

I hear a lot of the Resolve album when I listen to Poison in the Well, a modern day Lagwagon sound, mixing elements from Heartbreaking Music and Runs in the Family with the bridge and the fast paced verses. Let’s talk about…Obsolete Absolute. To me, this is the essence of Lagwagon. This track is a genuine example of the band in their purest form. I am a sucker for long, drawn-out intro’s and outro’s, and this song is the perfect representation. The boys then step on the gas pedal and we’re back to listening to fast, raw Punk Rock. There is heavy rhythm guitar accompanied by precise rolling drums and tied together with speedy octave chords, which attaches a serious identity to the song. If there is one song that should be sampled by a friend, I would hope it’s this one!

Turning just past the halfway point, Western Settlement is a key song that maintains the overall heavy character and mood of the album. It was one of the first songs that I learned on my guitar this week. It has a good, chunky rhythm followed by a great chorus, and the outro leads are a nice addition to the song! Burning Out in Style is one of the more upbeat and melodic songs of the album. Hearing this instantly puts me in a great mood, and I’m glad that the boys stuck this song in the lineup. I have to say that this album is full of incredible guitar solos, and this song has one of my favourites on it. The descending rhythm and octaves at the end speak to me as well, as they clean up the ending and finish it off.

I was intrigued to hear what Joey would write about Tony Sly, and I could not be happier with the outcome. The ninth song in the lineup is called One More Song. It is a fantastic tribute to a friend, and though the lyrics are melancholy I think Lagwagon captured Tony’s fire with the heartening melody (there is even a touch of Bad Astronaut in the mix). It still breaks my heart that he is gone, but hearing this song reminds me of the legacy that he left behind. This track is a perfect way to pay homage to Tony. A heavy version of the song Drag from Joey’s second acoustic record Doesn’t Play Well With Others is also featured.

You Know Me is the song that caught me by surprise on this record. It was the last song that I had sat down to listen to, and I couldn’t stop listening. It starts off slow and tame then builds momentum toward the end. Throughout the song (particularly in the last chorus), Joey’s voice is joined by second guitar octaves and the effect is amazing. Do not let the slow intro fool you. This song is awesome. The final song from the album, In Your Wake, fits into its natural course as the last song. It’s not my favourite track on the album, but I do like the sound of the intro lead and I enjoyed the build up and explosion at the end. That is what I call going out in true Lagwagon fashion, fast and loud!

As this review draws to a close, I have to say that it was amazing to see over twenty years of songwriting and experience compiled into this album. And how important it is that the band hasn’t lost their ignition and drive when it comes to playing music. This record is absolutely great, and I hope Lagwagon is proud of what they have accomplished, this record will be timeless someday and a must have for any record collection!
Railer.

Hang will be released via Fat Wreck Chords on October 28th, 2014 on CD and LP. And keep your eyes peeled, Lagwagon will be touring with Swingin’ Utters and This Legend throughout The United States and Canada all of November and into early December. Probably not a show that you will want to miss.

www.Lagwagon.com
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www.fatwreck.com