Fang Island have retained the jubliant factor that made their debut such a success, but only in small doses; the rest of Major is constructed too tightly. It feels as if the band are trying too hard to be more mature, and it scares me that, for instance, they think they can pull off the plodding "Kindergarten" with utilizing little to no variation. This album is enjoyable overall because the second half picks up tremendously - "Asunder" and "Chompers" are easily among the group's greatest tracks yet - but it's an energy that's too uncommon to be truly meaningful. Singer Jason Bartell's voice is also at the forefront of Fang Island's music, and it's more uncomfortable than it's ever been, especially considering the lack of gang vocals to back him up. I would give this a 3, but I'm generous as hell and like high-fives.
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