The Classic Crime are a hard/alt rock band which I always forget about, but never seem to have a problem earning back my attention with only a tiny bit of effort. ‘The Silver Cord’ is interesting in that, even now, it doesn’t get me super excited but it still is very solid the entire  way through.

The first 3 tracks are mediocre, neither hot or cold, simply put. I would argue that the album doesn’t really get started until the strong rock anthem “The Way That You Are” begins. When Matt MacDonald belts out “Don’t let them say, this is the way you are” during the chorus any doubters can then climb on board. Following up “5808″ reminisces about being young with a circus music style verse. The bouncy verses are not necessarily the best part of the song but don’t hurt it either.

The band deals with plenty of difficult issues in their lyrics, drugs and drinking being a reoccurring theme on “Medisin” and “God and Drugs”. Both songs tackle the similar subject from different sides but both also unleash a passion and sound which verges on hardcore, a now staple of The Classic Crime’s, dare I say, classic sound.

“The Beginning” which is actually the last song (clever) is easily the best song on the record and possibly the best ever from the band. Vocal melodies soar along with perfectly blended music which build and makes the track absolutely blissful. The song is truly a highlight of the album.

Although the songs usually come out the side “good”, there are a lot of parts on the record which feel like the band was playing it safe (i.e. tracks 2 and 3). I would have liked to see the band stretch themselves more and put out the absolute stellar album I still think they have in them somewhere. Overall a good album and worth your money but the band could still have done better.