Bridging the gap between hard rock and the scene-oriented side of a post-hardcore style, New Years Day's third full-length album is as lukewarm as they come in terms of both execution and energy. Malevolence is filled to the brim with restrained musicianship, unappealing compositions, and an inconsistent vocal performance from leading woman Ashley Costello - who has an overall decent voice, but just doesn't have much of a presence at all. Finally, the record's song order screams wonky; brilliant idea putting "Defame Me" and the title track at the last stretch of this album, fellas.
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