The Get Up Kids

Much more than just another emotional, punk-fueled pop album from this Missouri group -- there are some serious developmental issues happening on their fourth album. The lyrics have graduated into maturity, and while each song overflows with hooks and inventiveness, there is a pensive, melodic spin on every track.

The Get Up Kids know from heartbreak. On the emo kingpins' previous album, 2002's On a
Wire, they managed to communicate real anguish with their quiet tunefulness, especially
on "Campfire Kansas" and the meditative "Overdue." Guilt Show is a retreat to the group's
punkier past. On "How Long Is Too Long" and "Martyr Me," singer Matt Pryor pleads and
sneers as the band builds crisp, charged grooves behind him. It's all a bit scatter... More >