Taking Back Sunday, a rock band from New York, has released its first album without guitarist Fred Mascherino. The new lineup features replacement guitarist Matthew Fazzi, and a new sound. The band shifts away from its previous emo-rock formula in favour of a more pop-punkish vibe. As the title suggests, the band's fourth album, New Again, is a departure from its former outing - new listeners may well take to it, but established fans may find it a disappointment. The album opens with the rhythmic, bright title track. This is followed by the album's first single, Sink into Me. Punctuated by repeated - perhaps too frequently so - chants of 'Hey!', it shows the band retains its old charm. The rest of the tracks are enjoyable, varying considerably in terms of instrumentation and tone. Some are loud and fierce, while others are mellower. Adam Lazzara's vocals range from soft and emotional to harsh and angst-ridden, depending on the lyrics, which are mostly about past loves and romances. Even though the band's sound has changed somewhat, it has not totally abandoned its roots, and disappointed former fans are likely to find something in this mix to enjoy. All in all, this is a satisfying release.
